Syrah Resources' (ASX:SYR) subsidiary, Twigg Exploration and Mining, declared a force majeure event over its Balama graphite operation in Mozambique under the mining agreement terms with the Mozambique government, according to a Thursday filing with the Australian bourse.

Protests associated with the electoral process are disrupting mining operations in Mozambique, including the Balama site, despite efforts to resolve the situation through dialogue with government authorities, community leaders, and legal avenues, the filing said.

The company is unable to conduct a production campaign in Balama during the December quarter, which is necessary to replenish finished product inventory and for customer sales, according to the filing.

Shares fell past 26% in afternoon trade Thursday and earlier hit their lowest since January 2012.

Price (AUD): $0.20, Change: $-0.07, Percent Change: -26.41%