Burma is ruled by a repressive military junta. The government, which is accused of committing egregious human rights violations, is the subject of international sanctions. In 1990, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi handily won Burma’s first multi-party elections in 30 years. The junta refused to relinquish control and has detained Aung San Suu Kyi for years. In 1991 she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Since 1996, Ivanhoe has invested over $90 million in a 50-50 joint venture with the ruling junta to develop the Monywa mine. The company reports that it consulted with the Canadian government before initiating business with the military regime.