20 July 2026 (Eastern Thanlwin)
Zingyi
The Secretary General of the United Wa State Army (UWSA), Paung Aik Kham, invited businessmen and officials to discuss on July 18 to ensure that gold, various metals and mineral resources are not harmed.
He told businessmen not to use explosives and chemicals used in gold, metals and mineral resources beyond the specified amount and to mine them in the right way.
He also spoke about the methods and management regulations for mining operations in the right way so that the benefits obtained from mining can be used in the right places for the people.
The excessive use of explosives and chemicals in mining resources has caused labor problems, health and life risks, and some industries have prioritized obtaining more minerals.
Thai and Burmese environmental groups have said that the Thanlwin and Mekong rivers are being seriously polluted by toxic chemicals dumped into them from gold and other mining activities.
The measures were preceded by an explosion at a gunpowder factory in Yao Pan village, Pangsang township, on April 7, which killed dozens of people.
