At Least 162 Dead in Myanmar Jade Mine Landslide

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] A landslide caused by heavy rain occurred at a jade mine in northern Myanmar, resulting in the deaths of more than one hundred people. This is the deadliest accident among the jade mine-related incidents that have grown recklessly across Myanmar.

According to foreign media on the 3rd, a landslide occurred yesterday in the Hpakant area of Kachin State in northern Myanmar. So far, 162 bodies have been recovered, and 54 people have been confirmed injured. Local police stated, "Rescue operations for survivors and body recovery are ongoing."

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Heavy rain is falling in this region, which has entered the monsoon season. Myanmar is one of the world's largest jade producers, but safety equipment and other measures are not properly in place during mining, leading to continuous casualties.

Jade mines in Myanmar have grown significantly due to export demand to China and others. However, the jade-related industry has been problematic due to poor labor conditions, human rights violations, and corruption issues. Until now, the jade mining industry in Myanmar has been dominated by companies linked to the military junta.

Since Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's State Counsellor, took power, she promised to improve human rights in the jade mining industry, but no substantial improvements have been made.

According to foreign media and local human rights organizations, landslides occur almost every year during heavy rains in this region, causing casualties among miners due to falling rocks and other hazards. Many of these victims were searching through debris from the mines for jade when the accidents happened, and there have been many cases where bodies could not even be recovered after accidents.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.