Myanmar, a Christmas of mourning: landslide in Jade mine, at least 70 missing and one confirmed dead
Myanmar is in mourning and grief: at least one person has died and between 70 and 100 people are missing after a landslide in a jade mine in Kachin State, the northernmost part of Myanmar. This was announced by the rescue team that is managing the relief effort
Myanmar, a landslide in an underground jade mine
According to international press reports, the accident occurred at dawn three days ago at an underground mine site near the town of Hpakant.
The accident may have been caused by rubble dumped on the open pit by trucks working in the mine.
One person’s body has been found in the mine in Myanmar and at least 25 injured people have been transferred to hospital
The number of workers lost is estimated at between 70 and 100, and the search has also extended to a nearby lake.
Jade, the commonly used name for jadeite, is a much sought-after stone, particularly by the Chinese market.
Ninety per cent of the ore circulating in the world today is mined in Myanmar, and mining accidents are almost the order of the day.
In Hakpant, digging for jade is officially banned, but there are numerous informal sites.
Only a few days ago, at least ten unskilled workers were reported missing following an accident in a mine, while in July 2020, around 170 people lost their lives in a landslide caused by heavy rains in the region.
Myanmar is experiencing an economic crisis as a result of the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and instability following a military coup in February.
According to a report published last week by the NGO Global Witness, the army is using the trade in precious stones, often mined in conditions that violate human rights, as a major source of income.
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