Posted on 12/22/2021 1:59:18 PM PST by BenLurkin
The landslide occurred in the Hpakant area of northern Kachin state at 04:00 on Wednesday (21:30 GMT Tuesday).
Myanmar, also known as Burma, is the world's biggest source of jade, but its mines have seen numerous accidents.
The landslide is believed to have been caused by an overflow of rubble discarded from lorries to the open-pit mines.
The rubble creates large slopes that can be dangerous in an area denuded of trees, forcing those looking for fragments of the semi-precious stone to labour in hazardous conditions.
Rescue teams consisting of about 200 people from Hpakant and the nearby town of Lone Khin joined search and recovery efforts at the site. Boats were used to search for the missing in a nearby lake.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
I’m sure the Glitterati who wear lot of jewels will be deeply saddened by the death and destruction.
Government control in Kachin State is sketchy at best(at worst?)
Lax enforcement of common-sense regulations has left them feeling jaded.
Jade mining is banned in Hpakant, but locals often defy regulations, driven by a lack of employment opportunities and impoverished conditions that have worsened from the Covid-19 pandemic.
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