BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, June 1 (UPI) -- Production is returning to normal at a gold mine in Kyrgyzstan disrupted by violence this week over profit sharing, a company official said.
Mass protests erupted during the week at the Kumtor gold mine, which is Canadian-owned and run by the Kumtor Operating Co.
RIA Novosti reported Saturday company Vice President Rodney Stuparyk said the road to the mine has been reopened and power, which was cut by protesters, has been restored.
Kyrgyzstan President Almazbek Atambayev declared a state of emergency after protests at the mine turned violent, RIA Novosti reported.
The violence resulted in 55 persons injured, including five police and three protesters who required hospitalization.
Canadian mining company Centerra Gold owns the mine that produced 8.4 million ounces of gold between 1997 and 2011, making it the most productive gold mine in Central Asia.
The Kyrgyz government became a major shareholder in 2009, acquiring one-third of the mining company.
