Yangon: A woman protesting against a controversial Chinese-backed copper mine in Myanmar has been shot dead, a government spokesman said on Tuesday, announcing an investigation into how police handled the latest clash at the site.

The woman, believed to be in her 50s, was gunned down yesterday when police opened fire as local protesters tried to stop workers from erecting fences near Letpadaung mine in the northwestern town of Monywa. “We see it as a sad moment because a woman died during this conflict,” information minister Ye Htut told AFP.

He said police had opened fire but did not immediately confirm that their bullets killed the woman. The minister said he believed some protesters had used slingshots to attack workers at the mine and had briefly detained 10 members of staff. “We will review how the police handled (the clash),” Ye Htut said. State media reported yesterday that nine protesters and 11 police officers had also been injured during the protest. The mine has triggered fierce opposition from local villagers due to alleged land grabs and environmental damage. (IANS)