Monsoon rains have triggered the collapse of slag heap at a disused Myanmar jade mine, killing five people scavenging for gem scraps and leaving around 15 more buried, state media said.
Myanmar has a huge unregulated mining sector and northern Kachin state is the world’s largest source of jadeite, considered auspicious in many Asian cultures and hugely lucrative in neighbouring China.
Factions fighting in Myanmar’s post-coup civil war control many mines, using profits to fill their coffers while impoverished locals toil underground or scrounge for leftovers to make a living.
“Around 20 freelance jade scavengers searching the site under floodlights were buried when the heap suddenly gave way” late on Sunday in Kachin’s Hpakant township, state media said.
“The collapse occurred after days of heavy rain left old mine waste heaps unstable,” said newspaper The Global New Light of Myanmar.
“At least five people have been confirmed dead, and around 15 remain missing,” it added.
“Search teams continue digging for those still missing.”
Mass casualty accidents are common at Myanmar’s mines, particularly during monsoon season, when rains destabilise sites where workers have dug unsafe shafts or piled up precarious waste heaps.
Those who sift through the discarded rubble for gem fragments missed by the main mining operations are on the bottom rung of the highly-profitable industry.
Hpakant has also witnessed vicious combat in recent months between the Myanmar military and opposition forces, vying for control of jade mining operations. — AFP
