Myanmar: New Permits for Gem Mining to Go Ahead Despite Objections

Jan 7, 2016 | Chan Mya Htwe, Myanmar Times
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The Ministry of Mining invited applications for new permits in August 2015, with a deadline of November 16 that year. It has extended the deadline to January 18 of this year, and says permits will be issued for areas that include jade-rich Hkamti in Sagaing Region, as well as Mong Shu and Mawhan in Shan State. The township of Mine Shu/Mong Shu, in central Shan State, is well known for its rubies and was the scene of at times intense fighting between the Tatmadaw and forces of the Shan State Progressive Party from early October until late November last year when some 10,000 civilians were displaced.