Protests at Gold Corp’s Peñasquito Mine in northern Mexico stretched into a fourth day, as protestors blocked access to the mine on Oct. 2.

Reuters reported that a water dispute threatened to impact the facility’s gold production as protestors demanded the company make good on a commitment to supply nearby communities with water, said Felipe Pinedo, a leader of the protesters.

In a statement, the company accepted there were “outstanding commitments between the two parties,” and said the protest broke off established negotiations.

Pinedo said the protesters were only allowing workers to leave the mine, which is located in northern Zacatecas state and last year produced 465,000 oz of gold.

Michael Harvey, Goldcorp’s director of corporate affairs, said in a statement the company is open to dialogue with the local communities, but it would not negotiate under the threat of a continued blockade, which it deems illegal.

The company did not detail any potential impact on production at the mine from an extended blockade.

Last year, truck drivers and local residents blocked for more than a week the entrances to the mine as they demanded jobs and compensation for environmental damages as well as water used by the company.