A devastating landslide struck a jade mine in the remote town of Hpakant in Kachin state, northern Myanmar, leaving dozens of miners missing, according to reports from rescue workers on the scene. The incident unfolded on Sunday in an area known for hosting the world’s largest and most lucrative jade mines.
The disaster occurred near Manna village around 15.30 local time on Sunday, when a landslide swept through the area, engulfing miners who were working in the mine. The leader of a local rescue team coordinating search efforts disclosed that over 30 miners were swept into a nearby lake due to the landslide’s impact. The incident took place approximately 950 km north of Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city.
The rescue team, speaking on condition of anonymity due to concerns about potential repercussions, revealed that earth and debris from several mines slid roughly 304 meters (about 1,000 feet) down a cliff into the lake, striking the miners on its way. As of now, 34 people have been confirmed missing, while eight miners sustained injuries and were taken to a local hospital.
Rescue efforts are currently underway, with more than 100 rescue workers dedicated to searching for survivors in the aftermath of the disaster. Despite the challenging circumstances, the teams are working diligently to locate missing individuals. The unfortunate incident underscores the hazards faced by miners, particularly those working independently in areas prone to such disasters.
Jade mining has significant economic implications for both Myanmar’s military-installed government and the Kachin Independence Army, an armed ethnic group that relies on the mines for revenue. The unstable conditions of the mines and the perilous work environment have led to similar accidents in the past, with July 2020 and November 2015 witnessing devastating landslides in the same area, claiming numerous lives.
The disaster has drawn attention to the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in Myanmar’s mining industry, as well as the broader challenges faced by communities living and working in proximity to these hazardous environments.
