Members of the Xochipala community remain camped near the Guadalupe and Bermejal open pits, disrupting mining activities in that area.

The Newfoundland-based company says it is developing the Great Atlantic deposit with the goal of helping Canada and the US reduce road salt imports.

Australian media report that Rangelea Holdings has received over $40 million from Heathgate Resources since 2003 and is not willing to open the books to the public.

Expanded use of energy-efficient fuels across the corporate transport fleet is among the top priorities in improving the environmental profile of its production activities, the company said.

Durban, the busiest shipping terminal in sub-Saharan Africa, was affected.