Myitsone hydropower project signboard, posted in Kyainkayan Village, Myitkyina Township, Kachin State was removed as it is old and faded, said Darshi Lasai, State Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.

“When we asked about it, the company said the signboard was old and faded. They didn’t request permission to repair it. They don’t have instruction to seek permission from the state government,” he said.

Illegal gold mining activities are carrying out near the Myitsone area and the ministry doesn’t know about the number of workers living in the project area, he said.

Locals said the signboard was removed on September 20.

Luya from Aungmyaythar Village said, “We asked the company guard and he said the company instructed him to remove the signboard. We haven’t heard about the company ended its business in Myitsone area yet. We are wondering the company will change its name on signboard as they changed its name to ACHC from CPI and then to SPIC.”

The signboard was first put up in 2009, said locals.