Environmental concerns grow as KIA takes over rare earth-rich Panwah
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Khit/Thuta Kyaw (NP News) - Oct 27
According to information obtained from an interview by NP News, local residents fear environmental destruction from excessive rare earth mining in Panwah town, which was recently taken over by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). Despite their concerns, they are too afraid to speak out.
On 18 October, the KIA took control of Panwah town, a region known for its deposits of rare earth minerals.
After the town was seized by the KIA, some supporters of both the KIA and the NUG posted on social media platforms like Facebook, saying that they would be able to make money now that they controlled Panwah.
There are nearly 300 rare earth mining operations in the area, but after KIA took control, on October 19, China cut off electricity to the town and closed the border gate, causing the mining operations to come to a halt.
The KIA had previously disregarded public opinion regarding mining activities as part of their efforts to generate income.
A local source who is aware of the situation stated, “Yes, all the rare earth mining in Panwah is done by Chinese nationals. Now, Chinese miners are being allowed to return to China, but the remaining workers, who are Myanmar nationals, are not being granted refuge from the conflict.”
Most of the rare earth minerals are being extracted from that region, and KIA has taken control because they see it as a source of income, according to the source.
“The environmental impact is extremely severe. Since they are using acids for the extraction, the soil becomes infertile, trees die, and aquatic life perishes. It’s quite destructive,” the source explained.
According to another local source in Kachin State, the public feels powerless to prevent the KIA from over-exploiting mineral resources due to the group’s apparent disregard for local concerns.
“Even if people wanted to speak out, they wouldn’t dare. They’re afraid, aren’t they? They fear being arrested or even killed. Not long ago, when people protested against rare earth mining, the authorities dispersed the crowd by throwing hand grenades and made arrests. So, people don’t dare to speak up about the mining,” the source said.