Wild scenes have erupted outside of the International Mining Resources Conference in Australia on Tuesday, as scores of climate protesters clashed with police.

According to Victoria State Police acting Commander Tim Tully, a total of 50 people were arrested outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning, with demonstrators attempting to block the entrance to the building.

The majority of offenses were related to failing to obey police direction or intentionally obstructing an emergency service worker, he said.

Two people have also been arrested in relation to cruelty to animals after they struck a police horse, he said.

I understand there were two occasions where pepper spray was used (by officers) during the course of an arrest, he added.

With around 300 police involved in the operation, Tully said four officers were hurt while making arrests, of which three were taken to the hospital suffering injuries ranging from minor head trauma to a dislocated finger.

It is also alleged that a 23-year-old woman at the protest was injured by a police horse and taken to the hospital, along with a man who suffered a minor cut to his head.

When asked by local media if police tactics were too harsh, Tully said, Victoria Police would like to state that any action taken by officers this morning has been in response to the protesters' activity and in accordance with training.

The conduct of officers was appropriate, he added.

But while Tuesday's drama appears to be over, for now, the mining conference with around 7,000 delegates from nearly 100 countries is set to continue for the next two days.

We expect further protest over the next few days until Thursday, so I would encourage people to avoid the area, Tully said.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)