Kachin government allots 15 small-scale mines

Kachin government allots 15 small-scale mines
Published 9 November 2018
Tun Lin Aung (Myitkyina)

Small-scale mining blocks have been allotted across Kachin  State except for Putao District and Tanaing region, according to sources from the state government.

A government committee for allotting mining blocks recently held a meeting and decided to allot gold mining blocks in the four districts of the state except Putao District and Tanaing region where survey has not been carried out.

"There is a total of 35 blocks. But 18 for Putao and six for Tanaing cannot be allotted now. We have agreed to allot 11 blocks. There are four blocks in U La Hsan Aung Wah's region (Waimaw Township). So the total is 15 blocks. The state level meeting decided it. The Union government has already approved it. We cannot allot some mining blocks because of faraway areas. In Putao, there are some objections. There are many illegal mines in Putao. People in the state face difficulty living conditions. Revenues will go to the state government funds. Licence period will be from one to 10 years. We have to draw an EMP (environmental management plan). Small-scale mines must work in line with the rules and disciplines. For forest land, approval must be sought from the union government. Agreements will be signed within Kachin State," said Region Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation H La Aung.

In the state, businesses have applied for 245 small, middle and test-run gold mines—64 in Hpakant Township, 56 in Tanaing Township and 46 in Shweku Township.