KIA blocks rare earth mining liquid fertilizer, Chinese companies remain defiant

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has blocked the import of liquid fertilizer required for rare earth mining, and Chinese companies are taking a defiant stance, according to reports. This action was taken after the KIA's demand for increased taxes from Chinese companies operating in KIA-controlled areas did not result in an agreement. Since the beginning of the rainy season, the KIA has been blocking the import of liquid fertilizer (Rare Earth Liquid Fertilizer) for four months due to a lack of agreement with Chinese companies regarding increased tax demands. A mining official stated that there are thousands of rare earth mining plots being excavated by Chinese companies in Chipwe Township and Panwa Township in Kachin State. Due to the inability to import the necessary liquid fertilizer for mining, some mining plots have been suspended, and only the remaining plots are being excavated. "We used to get it cheaply before. Rare earths. During the time of Zakhun Ting Yein. Now the KIA is demanding additional taxes. It was fine before. Now, before the rains, the import of liquid fertilizer was blocked at the Kanpai Ti border gate. Because they didn't pay the increased import tax. Chinese companies also refused to pay. Because they can't do anything without them. Now they are working on the remaining ones," he added. Chinese companies are extensively mining rare earths, the world's most expensive metal, in numerous mountains in Kachin State, Myanmar. It is also known that Chinese companies are mining rare earths in areas controlled by MNDAA and TNLA in Shan State (Eastern) and in Myawaddy Township in Wa State. A report released in May of this year by the Shan Human Rights Foundation stated that Myanmar youths are victims of human trafficking in these Chinese rare earth mines in Shan State (Eastern), and that workers are being forced into slave labor. In early November 2024, the Kachin Independence Army and allied People's Defence Forces captured Kachin Special Region (1), which was under the control of military ally, People's Militia, and Border Guard leader Zakhun Ting Yein, and owns thousands of rare earth mining plots. Photo – Social Media