Pajau Media Channel
22nd March, 2024.
As reported by a local resident, over 2,000 acres of land in N-Loi Yang Village, Putao Township, Kachin State, have been adversely affected by excessive gold mining activities.
"Initially, in early 2023, gold entrepreneurs approached the village with a proposal to construct a road in exchange for the allocation of approximately 30 acres of gold blocks by the village elders. However, the agreement was not honored, and the road construction was not completed as promised" said a local resident.
Subsequently, the number of gold blocks increased significantly, and the mining operations expanded, employing heavy machinery that caused extensive damage to the surrounding farmlands. The alteration of waterways further compounded the challenges faced by local residents, hindering their agricultural practices.
The resident expressed concerns about the detrimental impact on the livelihoods of the villagers and called for immediate government intervention to halt the destructive mining activities. They emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the well-being of the local community rather than solely focusing on tax collection.
As per local residents’ accounts, gold entrepreneurs initiated their presence in N-Loi Yang village in early 2023. They constructed a road for the village and secured rights to over 30 acres of gold plots. This week alone witnessed the arrival of at least ten additional gold entrepreneurs.
However, despite the extensive mining of the village’s gold block, covering more than 2,000 acres, the promised road construction for the residents remains incomplete. The plan to establish a land route connecting to the sole waterway leading to Putao Town has yet to materialize, as explained by the residents.
Currently, numerous gold mines in Putao and Machan Baw townships along the Malikha River have been suspended. In contrast, the gold blocks in N-Loi Yang Village and the far side of Thi Kha Creek continue their operations uninterrupted.
N-Loi Yang Village is situated near Nat Kyun, adjacent to the MaliKha River. It is a diverse community comprising over 120 households, where Jinghpaw, Li Su, Rawang, Shan, and Burmese ethnicities coexist.
News – MaliHku
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