Numerous mining sites have come to a halt since the Military Council issued an order to cease operations in the rare earth mining sites in the Chipwi-Pangwar region of Kachin State starting from November 15, according to local residents.
A mining worker stated that the majority of mining sites have been halted since November 15.The remaining sites that are still operational, are expected to shut down in the next few days.
"For now we have to completely halt operations. The Chinese bosses mentioned they will wait for another 4 days. The majority of them have already ceased operations starting today. They will only continue working on a few selected sites," explained the worker.
Another mining worker mentioned that the precise reason for the cessation is unclear, but it appears to be linked to the Military Council troops demanding RMB 3 million from each mining site for road construction in Pangwar Township.
"Our labor leader conveyed that we need to pay RMB 3 million. If we can't make that payment, they will shut down the site. I think some sites have already closed, and some workers have returned," he stated.
It is reported that the instructions were given around September, and the Military Council ordered the owners of the mining site to cease operations before November 15.
A Chipwi resident expressed the view that the closure of rare earth mining sites, regardless of the reason, is positive as it brings greater benefits to the region.
"We've exhausted our resources, and clean air is no longer available. The weather has changed. It would be beneficial if mining activities are discontinued," stated the local resident.
In the past, the streams and fish from the Chipwi-Pangwar region were clean and safe for drinking and eating. However, with the establishment of mining sites, wastewater was discharged into the streams, leading to a decline in fish populations and rendering the water undrinkable.
On the other hand, the resident mentioned that given the current political situation in the country, while other businesses are facing crises, the mining sector continues to operate, providing substantial income. Therefore, if the mining sites are halted, there is a concern that unemployment may rise.
Workers at the mining site earn monthly wages ranging from RMB 3,500 to RMB 5,000 (equivalent to over MMK 400 for 1 RMB), whereas Chinese interpreters and backhoe drivers earn between RMB 5,000 and 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 Kachin Special Region (1), under the leadership of U Zahkung Ting Ying, the head of the NDAK Kachin militia. Mining for rare earth has been conducted in this region for over a decade.
