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Militia linked to junta behind stepped-up activity near Chinese border in Kachin state
published : 8 May 2021 at 16:43
3 A mining machine is seen at the Bayan Obo mine containing rare earth minerals, in Inner Mongolia in China. (Stringer via Reuters)
Illegal mining of rare-earth minerals has surged in an area controlled by a junta-linked militia since the Feb 1 military coup in Myanmar, according to local reports.
The mining is taking place in northern Kachin state on the border with China, The Irrawaddy news site reported, quoting local environmental groups.
They say mining has increased by at least five times in Pangwa and Chipwi townships amid the political turmoil, with a rapid influx of Chinese workers.
Illegal Rare Earth Mines on China Border Multiply Since Myanmar’s Coup
Rare earth mining in Pangwa Township, Kachin State, in 2019. / Myitkyina Journal
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By The Irrawaddy 26 April 2021
Illegal rare earth mining has surged in northern Kachin State on the Chinese border following Myanmar’s Feb. 1 coup in areas controlled by a junta-sponsored militia.
Environmental groups say mining has increased at least five times in Pangwa and Chipwi townships amid Myanmar’s political turmoil, with a rapid influx of Chinese workers.
“Before the coup, we only saw one or two trucks per day. Now there is no proper inspection we are seeing 10 to 15,” an activist in Chipwi told The Irrawaddy.