During jade mining in Hpakant, a mud pond collapsed, resulting in the loss of more than 30 people and several backhoes. According to relief and rescue workers and local sources, two bodies have been found.

On the early morning of March 12, the mud pond collapsed while excavation was underway for jade at the Mana jade mining site in Hpakant, Kachin State. The incident left people missing.

A rescuer reported, “We retrieved two bodies, which were found near the shore. However, due to the muddy lake, further search efforts are challenging. The death toll remains uncertain. Armed groups, in conflict with tycoons, are involved in jade mining. Most of the workers hail from Myaing Township, and we estimate that over 30 people are missing. The accident occurred during work hours.”

Among those involved, Ko Phyo Wai (driver), Kyaw Zin Waing (supervisor), Hein Min Lat (backhoe driver), and Sithu Myo (mining worker) managed to escape but sustained injuries and were taken to Hpakant People’s Hospital.

A worker near the site shared, “The missing workers are primarily from Myaing. They claim to have a team of 27 people, but the exact count from other regions is unclear. Numerous backhoes and around 20 dump trucks were also present, with people inside these vehicles. The total count may no longer be accurate. Workers typically know their supervisors but not their bosses directly. The jade mining operations involve armed groups and tycoons. Unfortunately, the survivor’s plight is challenging, and accountability remains elusive. The muddy lakes here are deceptively deep, reaching over 100 feet. Despite their benign appearance from the outside, some areas are prone to collapse.”

Adjacent to the collapsed mud pond is another one that gave way on August 13, 2023, resulting in 36 people missing and the recovery of 33 dead bodies.

As of the night of March 12, two bodies have been found in the latest incident.