The miner said its third-quarter gold production rose to 1.49 million ounces from last year's 1.45 million ounces.

Vale is expected to build and operate iron ore concentration and briquetting plants within the hubs.

Hochschild did not say if production had been affected, but noted protesters are blocking the entrance to the Inmaculada mine since Oct. 27.

Leftist former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was elected this Sunday, winning over far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro. 

Output remains below the 47.1 tonnes produced by this time last year. 

Gold Fields CEO Chris Griffith says he “remains confident" and hopes to get the majority of investors on board by the time shareholders vote on the transaction.

EBP represents Calibre’s third major environmental mine development approval within three years.