China copper project suspended after protest

Published November 20, 2014

Officials in southwestern China say they will suspend construction of a copper alloy project following a violent protest by villagers concerned about pollution.

A notice issued Monday by the government of Shifang in Sichuan province says the project will be put on hold while authorities dispatch teams to educate citizens about it. The notice posted on the government's website says proceeding without obtaining public understanding and support would threaten social stability.

Photos of Monday's protest posted on the Internet show clouds of tear gas rising from the streets and several injured people. Protesters are seen pelting riot police with bottles. It wasn't clear if anyone was arrested.

Pollution is among the leading causes of unrest in China, pitting the demands of economic development against public health fears.

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