Bawdwin mine tests new standards for extractives

The Bawdwin Joint Venture (BJV), which plans to expand one of Myanmar’s oldest mining tracts in Bawdwin, Shan State, is set to begin development this fiscal year. Last week, representatives from BJV (which specializes in lead, silver and zinc,

COVID halts Kachin jade mining

The government has suspended large-scale jade mining operations in Kachin state, fearing the spread of COVID-19 among workers, especially informal scavengers. Jade mining in the state has already been on hold since a deadly landslide in July in Hpaka

Mining firms forced to disclose contracts

Starting next year, all companies in the extractives sector, both private and state-owned, will be forced to publicly disclose their contracts. Affected industries range from timber logging, to oil and gas, to jade and gemstones. The new rule is mean

New report slams mining transparency

In the wake of one of Myanmar’s worst mining disasters, human rights group Global Witness published a report bashing government efforts to make the mining industry more transparent. The report, titled “Out of the Shadows: Who really contr

Myanmar’s jade conundrum

This week, the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Army) relieved two senior officers of their posts in Kachin State following one of the worst mining disasters in Myanmar’s history. According to Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun, the officers were disciplined for f
Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo singled out for not addressing abuses in Myanmar’s mining industry

Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo singled out for not addressing abuses in Myanmar’s mining industry

Independent non-profit non-governmental organisation Swedwatch, which focuses on business activities in developing countries, singled out Caterpillar Inc, Komatsu Ltd and Volvo Construction Equipment, leading providers of machinery to Myanmar’s