Barrick Gold Corp. said May 29 that unionized workers have started unplanned strike action at the Veladero gold mine in Argentina.

According to the company, construction works in the heap leach valley that are necessary for the resumption of full operations at Veladero are not affected and talks are underway to resolve the strike.

"There is no change to our anticipated timeline for the resumption of normal leaching activities in the second half of June, subject to approval by San Juan regulatory and judicial authorities," the company noted.

Leaching activities at Veladero have been restricted since March 29, after a pipe carrying processing solution at the mine's heap leach facility failed.

According to the Diario La Provincia San Juan, the more than 700 striking workers are demanding better labor and safety conditions.