Residents protest toxic mine in Shan state's Muse township

AUNG HTUN, PRO-GOVERNMENT MILITA LEADER OF LOI LUM, NORTHERN SHAN STATE.

MUSE, Burma — Citing serious environmental concerns, a group of more than 500 people held a protest on Wednesday to condemn a large scale zinc and graphite mine currently being built in northern Shan State's Muse township.

Residents of Nampaka called for the immediate halt to mine construction along the shores of the upper Hkamaw Hka river, also Nam Maw river in Shan.  The controversial project which the protesters say will irreversibly destroy their source of clean drinking water is headed by Myanma Mya Oo Company, a firm owned by Aung Htun, leader of the Loi Lum pro-government militia.

Naing Htun Min, one of organizers of the demonstration told the Kachin News Group that the residents of Nampaka village were holding the protest because they fear toxic runoff from the mine will poison the Hkamaw Hka river, which is vital to their way of life.

In addition to being a key source for Nampaka's drinking water, the Hkamaw Hka river plays an important role in local rice farming.  A Kachin elder who also took part in the protest told the Kachin News Group that about 2,000 households in the village and more than 800 acres of paddy-fields in the area rely on the Hkamaw Hka river for clear water.

The group of demonstrators called on Myanma Mya Oo and its infamous owner to remove within 20 days, all buildings and other infrastructure which has already been built for the mine.

According to protests organizers local residents have yet to be shown any official documentation allowing the mine, but the firm claims to have received permission from the central government's Ministry of Mines.  The firm and its owner also appear to have the backing of Infantry Battalion No. 123 which is also based in Nampaka.

Mine construction began in early February, and according to local residents has already severely damaged the river.

One villager told the Kachin News Group, “Since the construction began, a 12-foot wide stream has narrowed to 6-feet because of dumping along on the riverbanks.  This will cause big problems in rainy season and the river will flood”.

A petition signed by 240 villagers, was previously sent to Myanma Mya Oo Company on March 5, the company ignored the letter and went ahead with constructing two more buildings related to the mine, said Naing Htun Min.

Protest organizers and local residents say they will continue with protests against the mine if the company continues to ignore their complaints.