The order stems from alleged historical breaches of environmental regulations, according to the miner, which as of May 17 had only received verbal notice of the EPO from the Tanzanian government.

"The mine understands that the GoT [government of Tanzania] is considering issuing an EPO on account of alleged deficiencies at [North Mara's] tailings storage facility (TSF); however, the mine has not yet received an EPO, or any supporting reports, findings or technical data in relation to the statements attributed to the minister of state in the vice president's office for union affairs and environment," officials said, adding that two ministers visited the site on May 16 to meet with North Mara management.

The visiting pair were there to review the status of the mine's works to rectify and manage seepage from the TSF within the mine site, and the status of North Mara's project to construct a new TSF.

Acacia's technical crew has been working in tandem with the government regulators since March 8 to address the agency's concerns with the mine's alleged breaches and discharges. Management is now making contact with the NEMC and the ministers to seek clarification of statements and reports by the region's media outlets.

"[We will] request copies of any investigation reports or data upon which the government's actions are said to be based, and to seek details of any EPO or other statutory order that might have been issued, imposing a fine or requiring the mine to take further remedial action," the company said.

Mining operations at North Mara, Acacia confirmed, have continued without impact.

Acacia is majority owned by Barrick Gold.