LANDSLIDES at piles of loose soil have occurred in mining areas, particularly in the jade-rich Phakant region of Kachin State. These incidents have been triggered by the reckless actions of miners and businesspersons who neglect proper site management in all seasons.
Swamp areas are commonly found in mining sites due to the use of water in the process of extracting jade and gemstones. These areas pose significant risks to miners, as landslides frequently occur in the loose soil surrounding them. When landslides happen, miners may lose their lives. This highlights the urgent need for mining operations to implement systematic work processes with proper safety measures to protect workers.
Landslides at various types of mines, including jade, gem, coal, gold, and diamond mines, are common in developing countries. These deadly incidents often result from weak management, poor risk assessment, lack of miner training, and a focus on cost-cutting over safety.
On the other hand, although local authorities and mining businesspersons raise awareness about worksite safety, miners often carry out their daily tasks carelessly. Many do not follow prescribed rules and regulations, focusing instead on their mining tasks with greed. As a result, whenever heaps of loose soil cause landslides, these careless miners lose their lives.
In Myanmar, businesspersons have been extracting various natural resources nationwide from 1988 to the present, following the government’s initiation of a market economy. These individuals extract resources both legally and illegally, sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally. The unrestricted extraction of natural resources has negatively impacted the environment, causing disadvantages to society.
Especially, the unsystematic extraction process in mines across the nation and the unpermitted use of precursor chemicals such as mercury and cyanide have caused severe environmental damage, including pollution of natural water sources like rivers and creeks, as well as loss of biodiversity. Moreover, many human lives have been lost in worksite accidents. Hence, not only authorities but also businesspersons and miners must strictly adhere to prescribed rules and regulations and implement proper worksite safety measures.
The unlimited extraction of natural resources can, indeed, benefit a handful of businesspeople. However, such actions can degrade the natural environment and spark anger among residents who suffer from the resulting environmental impacts. Moreover, excessive reliance on resource extraction can leave a dangerous legacy for future generations, potentially leading to unprecedented natural catastrophes. That is why the tripartite efforts among the authorities, businesspersons and miners need to focus on permitted mining works under careful management and awareness to save lives.
