Shares in the Kazakhstan gold miner, Hambledon Mining, lost their lustre on news the company faces a £1.17m fine.
The Kazakh authorities have taken exception to an "administrative offence arising from environmental damage".
Hambledon says it is appealing against the fine and "is confident" it will be reduced.
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The next court date is scheduled for January 5.
Whatever the total fine comes to will be expensed in Hambledon's accounts for the year ended 31 December 2011.
Shares in Hambledon have fallen 10% today, over the year to date the stock is down 56%.
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