Peru mine protest turns deadly

Peruvian police clash with protesters opposed to a U.S. company's plans for a 5 billion U.S. dollar gold mine.

Three were killed and 21 injured in the first bout of violence since the protests started in the northern town of Cajamarca late last year.

Peruvian Prime Minister Oscar Valdes spoke on Tuesday, condemning the violence and calling for dialogue.

Newmont Mining's mine would be the biggest built in Peruvian history.

Protesters halted work at the mine in November saying it would cause pollution, harm water supplies, and fail to bring enough local economic benefits.

President Ollanta Humala says the project is vital for Peru as it would generate thousands of jobs and huge tax revenues.

Sarah Sheffer, Reuters