Gold Mining Persists in Lang Se Despite KIO Prohibition, Involving Chinese and Wa Enterprises

Pajau Media

9 May 2025

Despite an official prohibition by the KIO administration, gold extraction operations persist daily in Lang Se, Sumprabum Township, Kachin State, as reported by area merchants.

"Authorities have implemented a formal ban, yet certain local inhabitants and commercial entities maintain their mining activities," stated a Lang Se trader.

This region came under control of combined Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and Kachin People's Defense Force (KPDF) units on 11 November 2024. The KIA subsequently enacted an open-ended prohibition on gold extraction commencing 5 January 2025.

Presently, the KIO government maintains this unrestricted ban on mineral extraction in Lang Se. Nevertheless, select enterprises, laborers, and residents continue involvement in mining operations.

"While the KIO administration prohibits general mining, exceptions remain for Chinese and Wa operations. Consequently, some residents secure livelihoods as day laborers for these ventures," the trader further explained.

In defiance of governmental restrictions, Chinese and Wa commercial operations sustain daily extraction efforts, with local populations seeking employment in these mining sites for subsistence.

Lang Se's geographical isolation and inadequate transport infrastructure, coupled with unproductive agricultural circumstances, compel dependence on mineral extraction as a primary economic resource.

News – Hpring