KNU, PDF extract minerals from Heinda area of Dawei

18/02/2025 17:31

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Phyo/ Thant Zin (NP News) - Febr 18
According to locals, vehicles are hired by KNU (Karen National Union) and the PDF joint force to transport minerals from Heinda area in Dawei District, Tanintharyi Region, and drivers are paid up to hundreds of thousands of kyats per trip. This was reported to The Statesman Journal.
The Heinda area is located near Metta Town in Dawei District. In addition to coal, the area is rich in minerals such as gold, tin, and other ores, which are currently being mined by the KNU and PDF joint force.
"Around the Yaywine village, the Laikkyae Mountain, and the surrounding area, there are large mineral deposits. The coal is being extracted there. In the past, coal was mined every day by excavators from Thailand, about 300 to 400 tons per day. It was once stopped in 2018. But recently, cars have been brought back to carry the minerals," a local explained.
The minerals that are being extracted by the PDF are transported to the eastern side of Dawei District, about 15 miles away, with cars also being paid up to 10 million kyats for each trip, according to the local.
"Each car is paid 10 million kyats per trip, with 40 to 50 trips occurring each month. The distance for each trip is only about 15 miles. This arrangement is made with the agreement of the KNU, and only lead is being transported to the eastern side of Dawei. Many vehicles are involved in this work," he added.
The Heinda mineral extraction area in Dawei District contains minerals such as gold, coal, tin and tungsten, antimony, and lead. Myanmar Pongpipat Company, owned by Thailand, had permission to extract mining in the region in 2020.
The KNU's Battalion 4 and local PDF armed groups are controlling the area. Therefore, at least 9 million kyats are amounted to loss daily for the state in those areas. –