A protest against the Tuticorin copper smelter in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, owned by a Vedanta Resources PLC subsidiary, saw police firing on protesters when the demonstration turned violent, leaving nine people dead, The Economic Times of India reported May 22, citing a government official.
At least 30 other people have been injured as several thousand people joined the protest against the planned expansion of the facility. The government said protestors had set police vehicles alight and threw stones at offices.
The smelter was closed in March for a maintenance shutdown, which was extended after environmental officials rejected the company's application for a planned restart, saying the smelter failed to comply with certain environmental laws. It will remain shuttered until at least June 6, when the hearing for Tuticorin's license renewal is scheduled.
