Numerous mining sites have been shut down since the Military Council issued a cease-and-desist order on rare earth mining sites in Kachin State’s Chipwi-Pangwar region from November 15, according to the local residents
A mine worker stated that most of the mines have been stopped since November 15. The remaining sites that are still operational are expected to close in the coming days.
“For now we have to stop operations completely. The Chinese bosses said they will wait for another 4 days. Most of them have already stopped operations as of today. They will only continue to work in some selected places,” explained the employee.
Another mining worker mentioned that the precise reason for the termination is unclear, but it appears to be related to Military Council troops demanding RMB 3 million from each mining site for road construction in Pangwar Township.
“Our labor leader conveyed that we have to pay RMB 3 million. If we can’t make this payment, they will close the site. I think some sites have already closed and some workers have returned,” he claimed.
It is reported that the instructions were given about September and the Military Council ordered the owners of the mining site to cease their operations by the 15th of November.
A Chipwi resident expressed the view that the closure of rare earth mines, regardless of the reason, is positive as it brings greater benefits to the region.
“We have exhausted our resources, and clean air is no longer available. The weather has changed. It would be beneficial if mining activities were stopped,” said the local resident.
In the past, the streams and fish in the Chipwi-Pangwar region were clean and safe to drink and eat. However, with the establishment of mining sites, sewage was discharged into the streams, which led to a decrease in fish populations and made the water undrinkable.
On the other hand, the neighborhood has mentioned that, given the current political situation in the country, while other businesses are in crisis, the mining sector continues to function, providing significant income. Therefore, if the mines are shut down, there is concern that unemployment may rise.
Mine site workers earn monthly wages ranging from RMB 3,500 to RMB 5,000 (equivalent to over MMK 400 per RMB 1), while Chinese interpreters and backhoe drivers earn RMB 5,000 to RMB 6,000.
It is also reported that approximately 10 years ago, local authorities and Chinese businessmen collaborated to continue operating the mining sites despite protests from local residents.
The Pangwar region is part of the Kachin Special Region (1), under the leadership of U Zahkung Ting Ying, the head of the NDAK Kachin militia. Rare earth mining has been carried out in this region for over a decade.
