Violent clashes at Melbourne climate protest

A climate protester has been taken to hospital and more than 20 others have been arrested while blockading an international mining conference in Melbourne after violent clashes erupted between the group and police.

From 6am on Tuesday, hundreds of activists from a dozen different groups began blocking entry to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

They faced off against police officers, who say they were forced to arrest "in excess of 20 protesters" who were blocking the disabled and wheelchair access to the building and refusing to move on.

Two people were also arrested for assaulting a police horse.

"Police continue to arrest protesters blocking access to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Exact arrest numbers will be provided when we have them," a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

One police officer received minor injuries during the arrests and was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital.

A protester was also taken to hospital in a stable condition after she was injured by a police horse.

Protester Callum, who did not want to give his surname, said police were being "extremely violent" towards the group.

"They've used batons and are being aggressive," he told AAP.

"The horses shouldn't be here as they get extremely nervous and have hurt a woman."

Other protesters have said police have been aggressive, placing one man in a headlock and pushing another to the floor, as well as using capsicum spray.

"I think the police have been incredibly hostile ... I'm quite shocked by how aggressive they've been," protest organiser Emma Black told 3AW.

The International Mining and Resources Conference is Australia's largest annual industry event and attracts delegates from the resources, investing and technology sectors.

More than 7000 delegates from nearly 100 countries are expected to attend the three-day conference.

Among them is Craig Ian McGown, chairman at Pioneer Resources, who said he had a bottle of water emptied over him, had been pushed and forced to walk 40 metres with a woman next to him shouting "shame".

"I'm just very confused by people having too much time off," he 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."

Conference organisers say the protest action is based on misconceptions about the mining industry.

This year the conference will consider the importance of battery minerals, used in the emerging electric car market, and the growing importance of ethical investment for resource companies.

Protesters plan to disrupt all three days of the conference and will be joined by Victorian Greens Leader Samantha Ratnam on Tuesday and federal Greens MP Adam Bandt on Wednesday.

Despite initial concerns over traffic disruptions, VicRoads said traffic is flowing through nearby streets and trams are running.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack described the protests as "disgraceful, absolutely disgraceful".

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