Two protesters have been arrested for animal cruelty and another taken to hospital after incidents with police horses during clashes outside a Melbourne mining conference.
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Police officers were also taken to hospital with minor injuries on Tuesday when climate activists were beaten with batons and dragged by the hair as police horses were slapped.
Almost 50 people were arrested, but the clashes failed to cause much disruption to the International Mining and Resources Conference of more than 7000 delegates.
Scores of officers formed a ring outside the Melbourne Convention Centre and acting Commander Tim Tully said their actions were "appropriate and adequate, in accordance with training" amid accusations of heavy-handed tactics.
"We have shown a hell of a lot of discretion, a hell of a lot of tolerance. The tactics taken when people refused to move as instructed are justified," he said.
"Certainly it was our aim for a peaceful protest, we're very disappointed by the actions of the protest group."
But activist spokeswoman Emma Black, who is seen in footage being struck by a police baton, disagreed.
"We condemn the police's behaviour, they were really hostile throughout the whole morning and had no intention of cooperating with us to ensure a peaceful protest," she told AAP.
Protester Camila Serra, 23, fell after being pushed by a police horse and was taken to the Alfred Hospital with a leg injury, while a man was treated at the scene for a cut to his head.
Officers used capsicum spray to subdue protesters and were seen placing people in headlocks and pushing them to the ground.
Four police officers suffered injuries including a dislocated finger and minor head injuries. Two of them were taken to hospital for treatment.
Each time a meeting attendee approached the convention centre the protesters booed and tensions escalated.
Pioneer Resources chairman Craig McGown, who had a bottle of water poured over him by a protester, was pushed and had a woman shouting "shame" at him.
"I'm just very confused by people having too much time off," Mr McGown told AAP.
"I'm just in attendance at the conference because my company is involved in major projects that can help the country move forward."
Footage from inside the conference showed speakers on stage and delegates going about their business without disruption.
Conference organisers said the protest was misdirected.
"There is a misconception that as an industry mining does not operate with sustainable principles in mind," a statement read.
The majority of arrests were related to failing to obey police direction or intentionally obstructing an emergency service worker. Two people were arrested in relation to cruelty to animals after they allegedly struck a police horse.
Protesters plan to continue their action outside the conference on Wednesday and Thursday.
"Tuesday was supposed to be the bigger day, we expected a drop off on attendance during Wednesday and Thursday, but all the media attention makes it difficult to calculate. We'll follow our original plan and play it by the ear as events unfold," Ms Black said.
Australian Associated Press
