The gold miner has postponed publication of its full year 2019 results for a minimum of two weeks.

Delays in upgrades and expansion projects due to measures to stop the spread of covid-19 will negatively tip the scale, say experts.

The novel coronavirus has now reached the country's Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The emeralds and rubies miner is unsure whether scheduled auctions for 2020 will take place due to coronavirus.

The move comes as the province shutters all non-essential services following a dramatic spike in the number of coronavirus cases.

The deal creates a major precious metal explorer in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia.

The measure is expected to weigh heavily on copper output.

Temporary suspensions come as government measures to contain the the spread of Covid-19 has disrupted fuel supplies.

The C$1 billion-deal brings about a top 15 gold producer, with combined volume of over 1 million ounces a year.

Temporarily placing operations into care and maintenance over Covid- 19 concerns could see some production deferred into 2021.