More than 1,700 mining businesses applied for gold mining in Sagaing Region but just over 140 have been granted permission, according to figures from the Region Ministry of Chin Ethnic Affairs 

In Sagaing Region, gold is usually found in Banmauk and Homalin, Phaungpyin and Kyunhla townships. 

There were over 1,700 applicants during the period from March 2019 to January 2020. 

“We started giving permission in March last year. We had no difficulties but there were some delays caused by township level scrutiny. The bylaw prescribes that permission must be granted within six months from application. From March 2019 to January 2020, over 1,700 businesses applied for gold mining. Of them, just over 140 have got their permits now. There are a few numbers because small-scale businesses might have weak links with government departments. They are urged to have contacts with those departments,” said Region Minister for Chin Ethnic Affairs Lar Htaung Htan.