Slag heaps from mining operations concern Kachin residents
Kachin people have complained that mining companies are dumping waste soil recklessly and that it could trigger natural disasters. “We’ve found some companies dumped slag near tributaries of the Uru River. The waste soil could block the river during the rainy season,” said a resident of Hpakant Township. Although the residents are unhappy with the companies dumping waste soil into old mines, Hpakant Township administrator said the law permitted the companies to dump slag there. “According to the jade-mining department, the companies are to dump at the designated areas. If they dump into old mines, they are obligated to fill and repair the land. They can’t leave it hollow. The companies are responsible for refilling the land and to grow plants before they return mining sites to the government. They can withdraw the deposit only once they follow this procedure,” said administrator Kyaw Swar Aung.
