Operations at the Sotk gold mine in Armenia's Gegharkunik Province have been halted partially because of cross-border fire from nearby Azerbaijani army positions, Gegharkunik Governor Karen Sargsyan said on Tuesday.

“The Sotk open-pit operations have recently been stopped due to safety concerns, but the underground mining continues there. The Sotk mine is working partially,” he told reporters.

The governor could not specify the number of the mine employees put on unpaid leave, but said some of them were expected to retire soon.

“Discussions regarding the other workers continue. There are two-three options for their re-employment. We are due to meet soon to discuss them,” he said.