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Mine row in Myanmar tests hopes of reform

Protesters face losing livelihoods and a mountain they consider sacred to make way for a development that will feed China's demand for copper

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Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi reaches out to supporters as she leaves after a public meeting close to Letpadaung mine. She has taken a soft line on the conflict, suggesting Myanmar honour the mining contract. Photo: AP

Six camps used to dot the lush countryside around the Letpadaung Mountain near Monywa, in Upper Myanmar. They were set up by protesters against a vast copper mine project. On Thursday morning, three were cleared off in an unexpectedly violent crackdown by police.

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In the early hours, riot police used water cannons and smoke bombs to break up the protest that has disrupted operations at the mine, run by Myanmar Wanbao Mining Copper, for about two weeks.

The operation, carried out several hours before democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi was scheduled to make a visit to Monywa to hear the protesters' grievances, left dozens of Buddhist monks and villagers wounded.

Days earlier, the spent time with the protesters and the villagers who face losing their land and livelihood to make way for the mine, which will help feed China's seemingly insatiable appetite for natural resources

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"I am pessimistic about the outcome of our protest" said Pagata, a Buddhist monk from a monastery in Pakokku township.

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