A landslide at a jade mine killed more than 100 people in Northern Myanmar. With more expected to be dead, authorities say that a heap of mining waste collapsed into a lake, causing a “muddy wave” that buried many workers under it.
The fire department said the miners were collecting stones in the Hpakant area which is known to be the center of Myanmar’s secretive jade industry. The region was hit by heavy rains. After that, a landslide crashed into the workers causing their deaths.
Death toll has soared to over 126, with many expected to be missing and several injured.
A local who was present at the scene helping officials said those killed were informal workers who were rummaging through the waste dumped by large mining companies. She also says that there is no sign of hope for the families of workers to receive compensation as they were freelance miners. They risked their lives because they had no choice.
Despite being hit by heavy storms, this jade-rich region attracts a large number of impoverished workers from across the northeastern state in search of gems. These gems will earn them a fortune if sold and could change their lives for the better.
Global Witness, a London based rights group said the accident “is a damning indictment of the government’s failure to curb reckless and irresponsible mining practices in Kachin state’s jade mines. The government should immediately suspend large-scale, illegal, and dangerous mining in Hpakant and ensure companies that engage in these practices are no longer able to operate.”
Source: Reuters