The ASEAN Post recently published an article on extreme climate in Myanmar and its threat to the locals, agriculture, ecosystems and more. It is said that Myanmar is one of the most vulnerable countries at risk of climate crisis. Extreme droughts and flooding in recent years and cyclones such as Nargis have affected millions of […]
Fugitive Myanmar Gold Mining Executive Arrested in Thailand
YANGON—National Prosperity Company (NPC) chair U Soe Tun Shein was arrested in Thailand and extradited to Myanmar on Wednesday after more than a year on the run. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MONREC) found in 2018 that NPC had failed to comply with an order, issued the previous year, to suspend its […]
Illegal jade trade still thriving despite mining suspension
Myanmar jade is still being smuggled across the border to China in large quantities despite the government having suspended new licences for two years now, U Zaw Bo Khant, vice chair of the Myanmar Gems and Jewellery Entrepreneurs Association said at a gems forum last week. That implies the existence of a large and illegal […]
Parliament passes gemstone bill amid criticism
Myanmar’s parliament has passed a controversial bill governing the gemstone sector, paving the way to restart the licensing of mining companies after a two-year moratorium. Upon taking office in 2016, the National League for Democracy-led administration suspended issuing new or extension of existing gemstone licences pending a governance review intended to clean up the sector. […]
Govt now processing 40 mining proposals
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MONREC) has processed a total of 40 proposals for mineral exploration at large and medium sized mining blocks in Myanmar, its permanent secretary U Min Min Oo said. Feedback on whether any exploration activities will have an environmental or social impact is being sought from the state […]
National Mining Policy Needs Total ‘Rethink,’ Report Finds
CHIANG MAI, Thailand — Myanmar needs a new mineral resources policy and fresh laws developed through a transparent and consultative process if the mining sector is ever to be sustainable, the Myanmar Center for Responsible Business (MCRB) said at the launch of a sector-wide impact assessment (SWIA) report on March 8. The fourth SWIA based […]