LIMA, July 4 (UPI) -- A state of emergency was declared in parts of Peru after anti-mining protesters rushed a government building, killing three people, officials said.
Soldiers, police officers and a teenager were among the 21 injured in Tuesday's protests in Celendin, a town in the northern Cajamarca region, CNN reported Wednesday.
Police said 16 people were detained.
The 30-day state of emergency was declared for Celendin, Hualgayoc and Cajamarca, Andina reported.
"The executive branch is forced to take that decision after the violent events that have occurred … with the outcome of three dead and 21 wounded, including civilians and security forces," Peru's Presidency of the Council of Ministers said in a statement.
Interior Minister Wilver Calle Giron called the situation "the reprehensible consequence of the violence encouraged by some leaders, who must now take responsibility."
Protesters are angered about the development of a nearly $5 billion gold mining project operated by the U.S.-based Newmont Mining Corp., CNN said. Protesters said the project will negatively impact local water supplies and the area's ecosystem.
Denver-based Newmont has said construction would proceed only if it could be done in a safe, responsible manner. The company also pledged to build water reservoirs before the mining facilities.
