Gold miners in Homalin already declining before U.S.–Iran conflict due to cost pressures
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phyo/Seint San Yay (NP News) - March 13
Even before the U.S.-Iran war, the number of gold miners in Homalin Township, Sagaing Region, was declining due to rising commodity and oil prices, according to a local interviewed by The Statesman.
Although Homalin Township has gold mining areas, the township also has PDFs, so locals are relying more on air routes than land routes.
“The business situation is very bad. The problem is that the commodity prices are high, and fuel is an issue. We don’t get as much fuel as we need. Prices are so high that many people are moving to other places like Bhamo,” he said.
On the other hand, it is difficult for large boats to enter, so these businesses use small boats to transport goods.
It is known that gold mining operations in the Homalin region are scattered across areas controlled by the Tatmadaw and PDF groups.
“Even though it is a government-controlled area, the government has not officially given permission. In Homalin, people are mining as the situation permits, after negotiating. Locals are doing the same thing, so they are illegally digging without permission,” he said.