In pictures: Kyrgyzstan gold mine protests
- Published
There have been angry clashes in Kyrgyzstan after hundreds of police moved in to disperse a protest over a valuable Canadian-owned gold mine.
About 1,000 people have been camped out for days calling for a bigger share of the profits from the Kumtor mine, owned by Canada's Centerra Gold group.
Police used tear gas when protesters threw stones, reports said.
Injuries were reported on both sides as special forces clashed with protesters.
A BBC Kyrgyz correspondent at the scene says protesters blocked the main road to Bishkek, with many demanding to see the president or prime minister.
Protesters earlier seized an power station in an effort to cut the mine's electricity supply. A criminal case has been opened against them under a new law criminalising the occupation of government buildings and enterprises.
The government has now declared a state of emergency around the gold mine.
At 4,000m (13,000ft) above sea level, Kumtor is one of the highest gold mines in the world. It is situated in the permafrost of the Tien Shan mountains of China and Central Asia.
Kumtor is of huge economic importance to Kyrgyzstan, with the mine accounting for 12% of the country's GDP and more than half of its revenue from exports in 2011.
Kumtor Gold, a subsidiary of Centerra Gold, says it has paid more than $1bn (£660m) in taxes since it was formed and spends millions on social projects.
The Kyrgyz government and Kumtor Gold have warned that output could be affected if the situation is not resolved. The government has also promised to work towards gaining a bigger share of revenue for the country.
- Published31 May 2013
- Published24 February 2015
