Paung Township mining companies come under fire from local residents

March 31, 2016

Locals in Paung Township have complained that mining companies have caused serious damage to their local environment, health and traditional livelihoods.

A host of companies are active in Kadaik and Inn Praung village tracts, mining materials to be used for paving roads across the country. Companies involved in Paung Township include Cho Myittar, Ngwe Aw Zar, Unit Bae Lu, Ta Yone In Baryar, No.2 Road Stone Production, Shwe Taung Darna Htan Dee, and the Hightea and Prisons Department Company.

Locals complain that these companies were given permission by higher authorities to proceed with mining activities, but that there was no consultation of local residents, nor any attempts to mitigate health and livelihood impacts.

Under the military-led government, road-paving companies were given a 30-year remit to mine and produce paving materials in Paung Township. However, the contract stipulates that company officials must seek permission from the government each year to continue with their projects.

Areas affected include Kadaik and Inn Praung village tracts, as well as nearby Yinnyein, Yaw Tan Shal, Phyu Ba, Tae Kone, Naung Kone, Pan Kone and Zin Kyaik villages.

According to reports, companies active in the area use controlled explosions to extract rock. Locals say that debris from explosions has destroyed villagers’ farms and plantations, and has caused damage to local forests where villagers source materials for manufacturing wood and bamboo products.

Villagers also say that they are worried about degradation of their surrounding environment. Locals accuse the mining companies of exacerbating droughts, and worry that mining will lead to the destruction of the nearby Kadaik dam, causing flooding in the area.

Finally, locals have expressed concerns that constant use of trucks by various companies to transport goods has destroyed local roads. Villagers say that the trucks also bring up large quantities of dust in the dry season, causing health problems for residents.

A villager explained of one company, “Their factory is close to houses and schools. So the factory affects not only our environment, but also our health and livelihoods.”

700 locals have signed a petition, sent to the Chief Minister of Mon State, asking for all companies active in Kadaik and Inn Proung village tracts to cease operations and desist from planned expansion.

However, locals say that, despite the petition, nearby companies have continued with business as usual. Cho Myittar manager U Tin Zaw explained, “U Myint Naing from the General Administration Department came to meet with us, due to the letter that locals sent to Mon State ministries. But he said nothing, so we have continued with the project.”

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News