Kaing Mine
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Kaing Mine is an open-cut coal mine in southern Shan State, Myanmar. It is operated by two companies—Pyae Aung Hein and Hein Myittar.
Although operations at Kaing Mine were temporarily suspended in April 2017, as of June 2019, the mine appears to once again be active.[1]
Contents
Location
The below satellite image shows the location of the Kaing mine in Mongkaing Township, Shan State, Myanmar.
Background
The Pyae Aung Hein and Hein Myitter companies were granted permission in 2014 by the central government in Naypyitaw to start coal-mining projects in Mongkaing Township.[2] In 2017, the two companies started coal mining about 3.2 kilometers southeast of the town.[1]
Operations halted in April 2017 due to protests by local villagers and monks. However, in June 2018, the Union government gave permission to Pyae Aung Hein and Hein Myitter to resume operations despite opposition from local people. Renewed activity was noticed about 300 meters away from the former mining site in June 2019. According to an eyewitness, "A bulldozer had been brought in, housing for workers was being built, and an access road to the mining area was being cleared." The new coal mining attempt is reportedly being led by businessman U Ai Chong.[1]
Opposition
In April 2017, over 3,000 local villagers and monks protested the coal mining efforts. Their main complaint is that coal mining operations will cause irreparable damage to 2,000 acres of land, including conifer forests, mountains and farmland.[2] As a result of their demonstrations, mining temporarily stopped.[1]
According to the Myanmar Times, residents released the following statement in response to the renewed mining activity in the area: "Monks and local people oppose any groups that attempt to destroy our beloved watershed and lands, and try to dig for coal. We will oppose any groups misusing their power to threaten and oppress locals in attempting to dig for coal."[1]
Project Details
- Sponsor: Pyae Aung Hein Mining Co. Ltd./Hein Myittar Co. Ltd.
- Parent Company: Pyae Aung Hein Mining Co. Ltd./Hein Myittar Co. Ltd.
- Location: Mongkaing Township, Shan State, Myanmar
- GPS Coordinates: 21.629704, 97.542699 (exact)
- Status: Operating
- Production Capacity:
- Total Resource:
- Mineable Reserves:
- Coal Type:
- Mine Size:
- Mine Type:
- Start Year: 2017
- Source of Financing:
Articles and resources
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Thousands protest against renewed coal mining in Mine Kaing" The Myanmar Times, July 8, 2019.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Coal Miners Given Permission to Resume Controversial Projects in Shan State" The Irawaddy, June 11, 2018.
