It said the move followed “a temporary slowdown” in the rough diamonds market caused by elevated inventory in the mid-stream sector.

The Canadian miner, which is fending off a takeover bid from Glencore, said it has been approached with potential deals for its coal unit.

About 200 military personnel were on the ground on Tuesday morning to help control the fires and aid companies to evacuate employees.

The energy firm has threatened to bypass Alpha Lithium's board and take its C$1.24-a-share takeover offer directly to shareholders.

The company also said it would be looking at assets that Newmont may shed after it closes the multi-billion acquisition of Newcrest Mining.

Environmental and religious groups announced a protest action for Monday to reject the recent approval by the Panamanian Ministry of Environment of Orla Mining’s environmental impact assessment.