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"Locals oppose lead mine linked to southern Shan State armed group" Myanmar Now, 8 May 2025

Ethnic Padaung people [...] say they will not allow a lead-mining project linked to a Karenni armed group to go forward in their area.

The mine, a joint venture between a Chinese company and a firm owned by Than Soe Naing, chair of the Kayan New Land Party (KNLP), is located [...] near Thikyeik, a village under the control of the group.

Than Soe Naing’s Four Star Kayan Region Development Mining Company [...] has signed a five-year contract with Chinese mining firm Master Wan to conduct lead mining in the region.

However, local Padaung people oppose the project because they say they were not consulted about its impact [...].

If the project proceeds, it could negatively affect the social environment of five villages near Myin Ma Hti mountain and impact over 5,000 people from 11 other Padaung villages [...].

The Four Star company set up mining equipment, brought in Chinese personnel, and stationed security guards at the site in preparation to restart the project in March, but the operation has been delayed due to protests.

[...]

Myanmar Now has reached out to officials from Four Star for comment and further information, but has yet to receive a reply.

On May 5, the KNLP released a statement indirectly referring to the mining project, accusing an “illegal” social group of posing as an administrative body to provoke instability in the region.