Myanmar's Suu Kyi to head probe into copper mine

(AP) Myanmar's government has appointed a commission led by opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to investigate the recent violent dispersal of peaceful protesters at a copper mine and advise whether the project should continue.

State television announced Saturday that the 30-member commission was created by a presidential order.

Security forces on Thursday ousted protesters at the Letpadaung mine in northwestern Myanmar. Dozens of villagers and Buddhist monks were hurt, mostly with burns they said were caused by incendiary devices. The crackdown was the biggest use of force against demonstrators since the reformist government of President Thein Sein took office last year.

The protesters say the mine is causing environmental, social and health problems. The project is a joint venture between a Chinese firm and a company controlled by Myanmar's military.