Gold Mining in Hukaung Area, Kachin State

Mogaung Chaung gold mine is 5 miles away from Wara Zut village tract, Hpakant Township, Kachin State. In the early 2021, local people started small scale gold mining as sluicing technique. After 2021, as there are more shortages of land to conduct mining activities, many businessmen moved into this area. In the past, this area used to be an agricultural land for local and land in this area was also used by Yuzana Company. In early 2021, KIO mainly controlled the area however, many militias have arrived to this area nowadays.

Location of the Gold Mine

Mogaung Chaung gold mine is proximity to the Wara Zut village and Ban Bauk village. In the surrounding area, there are some local people who grow crop plantation. The land was flat land so that businessmen like this kind of flat land. The gold mine is also close to the Ledo highway. It is easy to travel to. The price of land is varied from place to place between 25 lakh – 35 lakhs for one acre. Land price depends on how much it has gold in the area.

Armed group and security

Mogaung Chaung gold mine is located in KIO battalion (14) area, SAC battalion (297), and Wara Zut militia active area. Due to many armed groups in the area, local people have to be in cautious when they travel, go to their Taung Ya (hill farm) and farmland. Death and incidents are often caused by snow mine explosion at the road of old Jawang gold mine. It is said that those who planted snow mine are militia groups. During 2022-2023, at least 10 people were injured by snow mine explosion. It is said that those who travel to this area are who involved in politics and current conflict.

Investment

If anyone want to do gold mining at the Mogaung Chaung, firstly you have to notify the KIO for permission. Land price in mining area is 25 lakhs per acre. Miners have to pay tax 3 lakh per vehicle and 5 lakhs as monthly and toll fee for vehicle is 100 lakhs monthly. Toll fee for one passenger is charged 5000 kyat. For monthly, one person has to pay one gram of gold and 15 lakhs. They do not collect tax directly but over the phone and through their staff. Occasionally, businessmen go to pay taxes at their base.

Hardship of local communities

Since it is an area mainly controlled by KIO and PDF, it is difficult for public to travel to. There is no freedom of movement, limit of travel time, and case of robberies emerged. It is difficult for business and trade to function. There are more restrictions under the current military coup. Lack of employment opportunities has driven young people to the wrong direction of their life. The military dictatorship started using more threats. They are expanding their business opportunities by giving excuse of political reasons. After all, people will suffer and become a victim of those armed groups.

Land conflict (Village expansion)

The expansion of Ban Bauk new village is just proximity of the Ban Bauk village. Kachin and Lisu ethnic live in the new village and mostly Lisu ethnic. Since 2021, they started living in the new village. In 2022, village head and village stakeholder arranged that land plot around 80m 100m for 2 lakhs Kyat. Moreover, it is said that the new village is giving priority to Lisu ethnic. Some Kachin ethnic who also want to buy the land plot feel unhappy. Some local people did not agree with the plan to expand the new village because Lisu ethnic has already taken land in advance before the village was built. Currently it has about 50-60 households and 300 populations. Currently at the new village, it is not settled down yet and it still seem as temporary area.