Kaing Coal Mine

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Kaing Coal Mine is a surface mine in southern Shan State, Myanmar.

It is also referred to as Mongkaing or Mong Kung coal mine.

Location

The below satellite image shows the approximate location of the Kaing mine in Mongkaing Township, Shan State, Myanmar.

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Background

The coal mine is operated by two companies—Pyae Aung Hein and Hein Myittar.

In 2014, the Pyae Aung Hein and Hein Myitter companies were granted permission by the central government in Naypyitaw to start coal-mining projects in Mongkaing Township. In 2017, the two companies started coal mining about 3.2 kilometers southeast of the town.

Operations halted in April 2017 due to protests by local villagers and monks. However, in June 2018, the Union government gave permission to Pyae Aung Hein and Hein Myitter to resume operations despite opposition from local people. Renewed activity was noticed about 300 meters away from the former mining site in June 2019. According to an eyewitness, "A bulldozer had been brought in, housing for workers was being built, and an access road to the mining area was being cleared." The new coal mining attempt is reportedly being led by businessman U Ai Chong.

A media article from January 2022 stated that the mining has discontinued, but it was not clear when. However the coal refuse still remained in the area and underneath the coal tailings, coal was still burning. There's also a problem of bad smell from the piles of coal waste.

Opposition

In April 2017, over 3,000 local villagers and monks protested the coal mining efforts. Their main complaint is that coal mining operations will cause irreparable damage to 2,000 acres of land, including conifer forests, mountains and farmland. As a result of their demonstrations, mining temporarily stopped.

According to the Myanmar Times, residents released the following statement in response to the renewed mining activity in the area: "Monks and local people oppose any groups that attempt to destroy our beloved watershed and lands, and try to dig for coal. We will oppose any groups misusing their power to threaten and oppress locals in attempting to dig for coal."

Mine details

• Owner: Pyae Aung Hein Mining Co. Ltd./Hein Myittar Co. Ltd.
• Parent Company: Pyae Aung Hein Mining Co. Ltd./Hein Myittar Co. Ltd.
• Location: Mongkaing Township, Shan State, Myanmar
• GPS Coordinates: 21.629704, 97.542699 (approximate)
• Status: Closed
• Production Capacity: N/A
• Total Resource:
• Mineable Reserves:
• Coal Type:
• Mine Size:
• Mine Type: Surface
• Start Year: 2017
• Source of Financing:

Articles and resources

Related GEM.wiki articles

• Myanmar and coal