Authorities consider restricted area to ban gravel mining in Rakhine mountain ranges

Authorities consider restricted area to ban gravel mining in Rakhine mountain ranges
Published 3 December 2018
Soe Min Htike

Authorities are taking supervisory measures to prevent illegal mining in Linmway mountain ranges in Rakhine State while considering the establishment of a restricted area where gravel production is not allowed, said Dr Ye Myint Swe, Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.

The deputy minister made the remark after MP Kyaw Kyaw for Rakhine State Constituency No (4) questioned if there was any plan to set up a restricted area as excessive gravel mining could deplete the mountain ranges during a parliamentary session of the Upper House held on November 30.

"Regarding the matter to establish a restricted area banning gravel production, the Department of Archaeology and National Museum and the Environmental Conservation Department will make an inspection tour of the area," said the lawmaker.

Gravels produced from the Linmway mountain ranges in Mrauk-U Township are being used for in road and bridge construction in nearby townships. There are three licensed gravel producers there.

Local people sent a complaint to the Rakhine State government calling for immediate halt to gravel mining as it could harm ancient cultural heritage. Since September 11 this year, the Mrauk-U Township General Administration Department has ordered to stop gravel production, said the deputy minister.