Questions raised over inaction on continued jade mining in Hpakant despite the ban
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Photo:Pulitzer Center
Phyo/Thuta Kyaw (NP News)-Feb 23
A source familiar with the situation in Hpakant told The Statesman why no action has been taken against local businessmen from cities like Yangon and Mandalay who continue to operate in Hpakant despite the ban on jade mining.
Although jade mining has been halted in the Hpakant area, the KIA still controls most mining sites, collects taxes, and continues operations.
Within seven months of the start of the mining season in the Hpakant region, KIA has collected about 100 billion kyats from two taxes collected under the headings of fuel and lubricants, and it is also collecting taxes under various other headings.
Furthermore, locals say that children and relatives of KIA leaders are involved in jade mining operations, even though they do not conduct their businesses under the name of KIO.
“The situation on the ground is still not under the control of the Tatmadaw. In Hpakant, jade mining is not allowed. These guys are illegally mining with machinery at night. Both Myanmar and the rest of the world are aware that KIA and businessmen are involved in jade mining. There are businessmen from Mandalay and Yangon among these jade companies. Why are these people not being arrested? In previous years, there were landslides and deaths too. The government also banned them. Why don't they take action?” he asked.
He also said that he wants strict action to be taken against jade miners who pay taxes to the KIA.
“We already know which companies are involved. We also know who is mining and where,” he added.
It is reported that jade companies in the Hpakant region operate with large capital.
“If you have capital, you can mine. You need to spend a lot. The amount of capital required is so big. The cost of digging a pit is quite huge. Only Chinese people can afford it,” said another local.
He also said that companies engaged in jade mining in the Hpakant area are operating under different names.
“They are still mining. We cannot tell which company is mining just by seeing them in action. They keep operating under different names. It is not easy to identify the owners,” he said. –