StockMarketWire.com - Shares in Kazakhstan-focused gold miner and developer Hambledon Mining (LON:HMB) fell after it was fined approximately £1.17m for causing environmental damage.

The company said it had received a letter from the appointed court investigator imposing the fine for the damage caused by a rupture to a liner in a dam.

Hambledon says it is appealing against the level of the fine and is confident that it will be reduced.

No specific time period for payment of the fine was made within the letter from the appointed court investigator.

A court hearing due to take place on Monday was adjourned and is expected to be held during next week.

The total amount of the fine will be expensed in Hambledon's accounts for the year ended 31 December 2011.