Local people in Kachin State are unsure as to whether controls will be brought in for gold mining and protection of the environment. There is concern that mining work, particularly with heavy machinery, will continue to badly damage the environment including destroying river bank soil, particularly during seasonal flooding.
Category: Myanmar
Rare earth metals used in electric vehicles may come from mines controlled by Myanmar junta
Amid the global effort to combat climate change, giant carmakers like Tesla hope to sell millions of electric vehicles to replace petrol-powered cars and trucks. But there’s a snag: one of the main source countries of a key metal used in the motors of many electric vehicles is military-ruled Myanmar.
Growing Chinese investments in Myanmar post-coup
The junta has reorganised the working committees of several developmental projects that are crucial under the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.
China-backed Myanmar infrastructure project leaves farmers landless
Local farmers say that they are still working their land in the project area and have not sold or transferred it to anyone. Yet, the names of the three unknown men registered as the owners of the 60 acres of land can be seen on the confiscation statement.
NUG hits out at Japanese government for funding junta via lucrative gas project
There is a “high possibility” that revenues from a Japan-backed offshore gas project in Myanmar are being used by the military dictatorship to buy weapons, a minister of the National Unity Government (NUG) has said.
Myanmar jade traders squeezed between junta and rebels
Myanmar is the world’s biggest source of jade, with the industry largely driven by insatiable demand for the translucent gem from neighbouring China.
Myanmar seizes over 3,500 tons of illegal timbers in 10 months
As of Oct 31, the authorities confiscated over 1,061 tonnes of teak, over 548 tonnes of hardwood and over 1,909 tonnes of other types of timbers in the country’s regions, states and Naypyidaw Union Territory.
Sun not shining on Myanmar junta’s solar power projects
Just six companies, including Chinese firms and local companies with connections to the military regime, have made bids for the 12 solar power projects Myanmar’s junta put up for tender in May, although some 40 firms including Thai companies have expressed interest in the projects.
Dispossession, deforestation and deceit in Myanmar
Plans for palm oil self-sufficiency are a pretext for consolidation of military power.