Myanmar-Chinese Companies Mining Lead, Northern Myanmar Tribe Protests Environmental Destruction

(Yangon, 9th) Residents of a Myanmar tribe protested against the Myanmar Four Star Company and its Chinese partners for mining lead in their homeland, citing the project's lack of transparency and environmental harm.
The Pradawng, a branch of the Karenni people in Myanmar, claim to have been living in Shan State for nearly 400 years, with a population of over 3,000. They recently held a protest rally in the village, holding banners saying "Not Transparent, Irresponsible."
They allege that the two Myanmar-Chinese companies plan to develop a large-scale lead mining project upstream of the river in Thi Kyeik Village, Pekon Township, having started installing heavy machinery in February.
Local Pradawng residents point out that the project did not seek their opinion, and they are concerned that harmful chemicals from the mining operations will pollute the environment. They have attempted to block roads to stop vehicles and threatened to seize mining equipment.
24-year-old protester Kun Gin Min Nam told AFP, "We are just fighting for the rights that indigenous people should have."
He demanded the cancellation of the mining plan until the civil war ends and an elected government is in place to reassess the mining plan.

Lead is a toxic heavy metal, most commonly used in the production of lead-acid batteries for cars. The World Health Organization says that lead mining can contaminate soil and water sources, with children especially vulnerable.
Mining activities may also damage the environment. Villagers feel that increased mining activity in recent years has led to more frequent floods and mudslides, even sweeping away entire houses.
Kun Gin Min Nam stated, "We don't want to leave this damaged land to the next generation, and we don't want to be seen as historical criminals."
The Pradawng say that the Four Star Company has been active locally for 20 years and has ties with the Kayah New Land Party, which governs the area. The Chinese partner's identity cannot be confirmed. The Pradawng say they became aware of the Chinese partner's presence only when they participated in an event aimed at alleviating community opposition.
China is an important market for Myanmar's natural resource exports. Since the military coup in Myanmar in 2021, which led to civil war, various regions in Myanmar have seen lax management, with unregulated mining companies extracting resources with impunity.