“Venturing into Shan State’s Eastern Region: An In-Depth Exploration of Mining Operations by a Chinese-Owned Company in Naoon Village, Tachileik Township”

The Naoon village is situated in the eastern part of Shan state, within the tract of Tale village, in the district of Tachileik township. The villagers predominantly rely on agriculture and livestock as their main source of livelihood. However, since 2016, unidentified Chinese-owned companies have begun operating in the Naoon village area. These companies approached the administration side and initiated resource extraction on the hill near the village.

The headman informed the villagers that their incomes would increase through the sale of chicken, pigs, and other produce to these companies. Unfortunately, due to a lack of awareness regarding the potential negative impacts of mining extraction, the local people did not respond to the headman’s statements.

Despite the stabilizing of Covid-19 cases in 2021, the mining company continued to intensify its operations. Consequently, during the rainy season, waste materials entered the village with rainwater, leading to an accumulation of waste in the village.

The villagers faced difficulties in seeking assistance during politically unstable periods when confronting these problems. Social issues also emerged, as young women were enticed by financial incentives and left pregnant, while Chinese mining workers returned home without taking responsibility for their actions.

The landscapes, altered by the mining activities, resulted in damage to farmlands, water pollution, and poisoning of cattle and oxen. Moreover, the incessant truck traffic passing through the village disturbed the villagers’ sleep.

Surprisingly, the Chinese company did not offer any job opportunities to the local people, except for hiring some as interpreters for Burmese individuals who could speak Chinese.

The villagers’ hopes center around obtaining proper consultation before the operation of the Manganese Dioxide mine. They seek explanations from the company regarding the potential impact of the mines and the necessary protective measures to safeguard their community.

A major concern is that most Chinese mining workers are illegal immigrants crossing the border to work in the region, further complicating the situation.

In conclusion, the intrusion of unidentified Chinese-owned mining companies into the Naoon village has caused a host of problems for the local population, including environmental and social challenges. The lack of awareness and consultation has led to adverse consequences for the villagers’ livelihoods and well-being. To address these issues, comprehensive and responsible actions are necessary from all stakeholders involved in the mining activities, ensuring the protection of the rights and interests of the Naoon village residents.