Translated by Paing Paing

Local people are opposed to a feasibility study on copper mining in Waseintaung in Yinmabin Township, Yinmabin District in Sagaing Region conducted by Myanmar Yang Tse Copper Limited, said U Lar Htaung Htan, Minister for Chin Ethnic Affairs of Sagaing Region.   

Some cabinet ministers of Sagaing Region made a field trip to Waseintaung area on July 3 and met local people. In meeting with the local people, the cabinet ministers discussed with them about the matters relating to Waseintaung.

"The MYTCL sought an approval as to Waseintaung from Union Parliament (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw) Myanmar Yang Tse Copper Limited, a Chinese affiliated mining copper, conducted a feasibility study on establishing a mining project in Yarmarbin area in Sagaing but it failed to receive the public’s approval.According to reports on July 3, local officials held ground inspections of the area and had thorough meetings with the residence regarding the prospect of the company establishing mining zones in the area. One official stated, “ For me, this project is beneficial for the country. Of course I cannot go around pondering the locals to accept this notion because ultimately this is affecting them as well. At the end of the day, the verdict regarding the mining zones solely rely upon the officials in parliament as they will have the final say and we have to respect that," said U Lar Htaung Htan.

 "On behalf of the company, some cabinet members have reportedly advocated this project to go through. According to them, if the project was to be finalized, it would create jobs, help build schools and provide an environment where citizens have a plethora of resources to work with due to the large investments coming from the company," said Daw Aung May Yi, a regional MP representing No 2 Constituency of Yinmabin Township.   

Daw Aung May Yi added, "They are trying to fool the people and have a try at the attitude of the local people regarding Waseintaung. People dare not speak out in the time of military regime. Accordingly, the Sabetaung, Kyhisintaung and Letpadaung Projects appeared. Now the government is the NLD led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. In this age people can voice what they dislike. I can't accept it and am opposed to it. I can't accept Chinese company as every project is run by China.