Associated Press is reporting Wednesday that protesters clashed with police and tried to break into a building housing the parliament and government offices in Kyrgyzstan's capital, demanding the nationalization of the Kumtor gold mine, which is owned by Canadian company Centerra Gold (TSX: T.CG, Stock Forum).
Critics have alleged that Centerra has used accounting tricks to reduce its tax liabilities, although the company has denied the allegation.
Centerra says its project has generated $1.9 billion in benefits for Kyrgyzstan, including $620 million in taxes. Kumtor accounts for 12% of the economy.