Officials stated on Thursday that a landslide at a jade mine in northern Myanmar killed at least three people and left scores missing. The landslide occurred in Kachin state’s Hpakant district at 4:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Accidents are prevalent in the area, which is home to some of the world’s largest jade mines. The landslide was caused by an overflow of rubble from lorries that were transporting jade ore from the mine. The rubble created a large slope that was unstable, and it eventually collapsed.
Source – BBC
Rescue personnel are still looking for survivors, but their odds of survival are minimal. The landslide is the latest in a series of accidents at jade mines in Myanmar. In 2020, a landslide at the same mine killed at least 162 people. The jade mining industry in Myanmar is rife with corruption and exploitation. Miners are often paid very little and are not given any safety training. The industry is also controlled by a small number of powerful individuals, who profit from the high prices of jade.
Landslide Hits Illegal Mine
The landslide struck an illicit mine where workers were searching for jade. These miners are frequently unregistered and labor under hazardous conditions. They are frequently underpaid and receive minimal safety training.
Myanmar’s rising death toll
The landslide’s death toll is expected to grow. So far, three bodies have been recovered, but dozens more people remain unaccounted for. Rescue personnel are working in challenging conditions, and getting to the impacted area is taking time.
Government Under Pressure to Act
The Myanmar government is under pressure to take action to avert more landslides. This is not the first time in the country that a landslide has destroyed an illicit jade mine. A landslide in the same area killed at least 162 people in 2020. The jade mining industry in Myanmar is rife with corruption and exploitation. Miners are often paid very little and are not given any safety training. The industry is also controlled by a small number of powerful individuals, who profit from the high prices of jade.
Human rights organizations have urged the government to regulate the jade mining sector and protect worker safety. They have also demanded that the recent landslide be investigated.
Jade Mining – A Major Source of Revenue
Myanmar’s main source of money is jade mining. The country is the world’s largest producer of jade, with a billion-dollar business. However, corruption and exploitation abound throughout the industry.
Future of Jade Mining in Myanmar Uncertain
Myanmar’s jade mining future is questionable. The recent landslide has prompted questions about the industry’s safety, and it is unclear how the government will respond. The government may crack down on unlawful mining, but it is also feasible that the sector will continue to operate as usual.
The avalanche in Myanmar serves as a reminder of the risks associated with the jade mining industry. It also serves as a reminder of the need of the government regulating the industry and ensuring worker safety.
The Environmental Impacts of the Landslide
The landslide had a huge environmental impact as well. The landslide poisoned the area’s water and soil. It has also wiped off the plants and wildlife. The landslide’s environmental impact will most certainly be felt for many years to come.
The Impact on Victims’ Families
The families of the victims have been devastated by the landslide in Myanmar. Many of the victims were young males who were their families’ main breadwinners. These families are in severe problems as a result of the loss of their income. They are unable to afford food, shelter, or medical treatment.
The landslide has also caused significant emotional suffering for the victims’ families. They are grieving the loss of their loved ones and are fighting to accept what has occurred. They are also upset with the government for failing to regulate the jade mining sector and preventing this disaster.
