KABUL, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- A clash between locals and a gold-mining company has inflicted casualties in Chah Ab district of northern Afghanistan, confirmed Humayun Afghan, spokesman for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum.

"The problems emerging between local people and the company contracted for gold mine extraction, unfortunately, caused loss of life and property damage," the Radio and Television of Afghanistan quoted him as saying on Tuesday night.

Without providing more details, the official added that a delegation had been sent to the area to investigate.