Tragedy Strikes in Myanmar’s Jade Mining Hub
A devastating landslide at a disused jade mine in Myanmar’s Kachin state has resulted in the loss of five lives, with around 15 people still unaccounted for. The incident occurred on Sunday, June 28, 2026, when a slag heap collapsed, burying freelance jade scavengers who were searching for gem scraps under floodlights.
The disaster has been attributed to the heavy monsoon rains that have been pounding the region, leaving the old mine waste heaps unstable. Search teams are currently digging through the rubble to locate those still missing, according to state media reports.
A Culture of Neglect and Exploitation
Myanmar’s mining sector, particularly in the northern Kachin state, is notorious for its lack of regulation and safety protocols. The region is the world’s largest source of jadeite, a highly valued gemstone in many Asian cultures, and a lucrative commodity in neighboring China. Factions vying for control of the mines have been using the profits to fund their activities, while local workers are often forced to toil in hazardous conditions or scavenge for scraps to make a living.
- The collapse of the slag heap is a stark reminder of the risks faced by those involved in the mining industry, particularly during the monsoon season.
- The incident has also highlighted the ongoing conflict in the region, with the Myanmar military and opposition forces engaged in a bitter struggle for control of the jade mining operations.
- The country has been embroiled in a civil war since the military overthrow of the elected government in 2021, resulting in a humanitarian crisis and widespread instability.
Source: Original Article
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