The Union government has reportedly granted permission to two coal-mining operations in Mongkaing Township in southern Shan State to resume operations, amid opposition from local residents. A local newspaper quoted Sai Lynn Myat, Shan State minister for natural resources, environment and electric power, as saying that the Union government had written a letter giving permission for the mines to be reopened. The mines are operated by two companies, Pyae Aung Hein and Hein Mitter, and had temporarily stopped after protests were held by local groups. Last year a local report said coal-mining operations in the area would cause long-term damage to 2,000 acres of land, including conifer forests, mountains and farmland. In May last year, hundreds of local people protested against the projects. Local National League for Democracy (NLD) politician Sai Shwe Thein, said local communities welcomed investment in the town, including in mines, but said they must be transparent. “There are lawmakers and community leaders on Mongkaing. The company needs to negotiate and talk with these people. If there is transparency, our local Shan will not demand they leave,” he said.