Myanmar: Gold mining expansion in northern Shan State destroys farmland, locals allege Chinese business involvement
"Gold Mining Destroys Farmland in Kyaukme, Residents Say", 30 Mar 2026, Shan Herald Agency for News
Large-scale gold mining using heavy machinery is rapidly destroying farmland along the Nam Jing stream in Mong Ngaw, Kyaukme Township in northern Shan State, according to local residents.
Villagers say once-productive paddy fields have been reduced to vast mounds of earth as mining operations expand across agricultural land between Koon Kok and Man Peng villages. [...]
Residents say gold mining in the area [...] intensified significantly [...] after the arrival of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).
Local sources allege that the MNDAA and Chinese business interests are directly involved in the mining operations [...].
Although mining operators have purchased farmland for tens of millions of kyats [...] residents say the damage is irreversible. Excavation brings layers of sand and gravel to the surface, rendering the soil infertile.
Locals also describe a chain reaction of land sales, as upstream mining disrupts natural water flows and leaves downstream farmers unable to continue cultivation.
SHAN reached out to the TNLA and SSPP for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.