Authorities in Mali began seizing gold stockpiled at Barrick Gold's (GOLD) Loulo-Gounkoto mining facility on Saturday after it executed an interim order, multiple media outlets reported Monday.

Reuters quoted two sources as saying that three tons of gold had been taken, with one source reportedly valuing the seized gold at $245 million.

Barrick reportedly said it might have to halt operations at the facility after the week-old order was executed, Bloomberg reported citing a company memo to employees in Mali.

Barrick did not immediately respond to a request for comment from MT Newswires.

Shares of the company were down 1.4% in recent Monday trading.

Price: 15.50, Change: -0.22, Percent Change: -1.40