Locals in Machanbaw Township, Putao District, call for immediate halt to gold mining on farmland

Burma News International (BNI) is a network of 15 independent media and news organizations based in and around Burma Locals in Machanbaw Township, Putao District, are calling for an immediate halt to widespread gold mining on agricultural land in Hsinlongdam 2 Village, warning that operations are destroying farmland and threatening community livelihoods. According to residents, the mining in Hsinlongdam 2, part of Htarandam Village Tract, is taking place with the direct involvement of local officials, including members of the Township General Administration Department (GAD), police force, Land Records Department, and village administration. “Gold mining has been active in the hills around Namsabum since 2023. Now that those sites are depleted, operators have expanded onto farmland,” a resident told KNG. “The vegetation and fields around Namsabum are already devastated. Now they’re moving into Hsinlongdam 2, backed by police, soldiers, and officials from the GAD and Land Records Department.” Residents said Hsinlongdam 2 contains over 500 acres of farmland, with more than 10 acres already excavated using roughly 10 backhoes. Miners and business operators from Machanbaw and Putao towns are purchasing the plots prior to digging, with local authorities facilitating the transactions, according to locals. “The operators buy the land before they dig, and Land Records and police officials are involved in those sales,” the villager added. “Many farmers never wanted to sell, but once mining reached adjacent plots, they felt forced to yield. So far, about 10 acres have been dug up.” With paddy fields surrounding the mining sites, farmers expressed grave concern over damaged irrigation canals and compromised water distribution systems. “Some farmers sold out, and the resulting mining destroyed the irrigation channels, cutting off water to nearby plots,” a local woman said. “Farmers who originally resisted were eventually forced to sell, too. Watching gold mining destroy land right beside active rice fields is heartbreaking.” Fearing the permanent loss of agricultural land, residents are urging authorities and local figures to suspend all mining operations in Hsinlongdam 2 immediately. KNG attempted to contact officials from the Machanbaw Township General Administration Department for comment, but calls could not be completed due to widespread telecommunication and internet disruptions. Since the 2021 military coup, heavy-machinery gold mining has expanded rapidly across Putao District, including in Namsabum, Namhkam, and Makatmon.