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Operations Halted At Kyrgyz Gold Mine After Mass Scuffles


ORLOVKA, Kyrgyzstan -- Fights between Chinese and Kyrgyz workers have forced the suspension of construction at the Altynken gold mine in Kyrgyzstan's northern Kemin district.

More than 250 Chinese workers were moved to another location after mass scuffles on Tuesday.

A local official, Jumgal Duishobaev, told RFE/RL that the Kyrgyz government is expected to issue a decision regarding work on the mine later on October 24.

More than 200 local citizens picketed the headquarters of China's Superb Pacific Limited in the town of Orlovka on October 22.

They demanded the closure of the company's operations in the region.

The protest followed fighting between Chinese and Kyrgyz workers in the town on October 21.

Superb Pacific Limited is involved in the construction of infrastructure for gold mining operations, which are scheduled to start in 2014.

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