Suu Kyi-led commission conditionally OKs China-Myanmar copper mine project
Suu Kyi-led commission conditionally OKs China-Myanmar copper mine project
YANGON, March 12, Kyodo
An investigative commission led by opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi
has given a green light to a controversial China-backed copper mine
project in central Myanmar, on condition that the contract terms are
amended to address land grab compensation and environmental
conservation, according to its recommendations published in state-run
newspapers Tuesday.
The probe by the 16-member commission, which was set up last November
by presidential order, found flaws in the $1 billion Lapadaung-taung
copper mine project, located near the town of Monywar in Sagaing
Region, but determined that they are fixable flaws.
The project, which has faced strong opposition locally due to land
grabs and environmental concerns, is jointly operated by Myanmar
Economic Holdings Ltd., the business wing of Myanmar's army, and
Wanbao Mining Ltd., a subsidiary of Chinese arms manufacturer China
North Industries Group Corp. (Norinco).
The project came under the international spotlight when police cracked
down on protest camps at the site last November, injuring dozens of
Buddhist monks and villagers.
Police had said they used water cannons and teargas canisters in the
crackdown to disperse the crowd, before throwing smoke bombs in
leaving 108 people injured mostly with severe burns.
The commission report confirms police used smoke bombs containing
phosphorus in the crackdown, which was the cause for the burns.
The protesters were calling for a complete halt of the mine, which
started extracting copper last year, citing inadequate compensation
given to villagers and potential adverse impacts on the environment.
The mine site covers over 7,800 acres of land, mostly farmland,
including 26 villages.
The commission, which includes parliamentarians, civil servants and
local area representatives, suggested the mine's operations continue,
after implementing its recommendations, based on a holistic approach
that considers economic, social, environmental issues as well as
Myanmar's international relations.
Suu Kyi, who is currently in capital Naypyitaw attending parliament
sessions, is expected to go to the project area Wednesday, probably to
talk to the villagers as the commission's report could disappoint the
locals there.
==Kyodo
YANGON, March 12, Kyodo
An investigative commission led by opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi
has given a green light to a controversial China-backed copper mine
project in central Myanmar, on condition that the contract terms are
amended to address land grab compensation and environmental
conservation, according to its recommendations published in state-run
newspapers Tuesday.
The probe by the 16-member commission, which was set up last November
by presidential order, found flaws in the $1 billion Lapadaung-taung
copper mine project, located near the town of Monywar in Sagaing
Region, but determined that they are fixable flaws.
The project, which has faced strong opposition locally due to land
grabs and environmental concerns, is jointly operated by Myanmar
Economic Holdings Ltd., the business wing of Myanmar's army, and
Wanbao Mining Ltd., a subsidiary of Chinese arms manufacturer China
North Industries Group Corp. (Norinco).
The project came under the international spotlight when police cracked
down on protest camps at the site last November, injuring dozens of
Buddhist monks and villagers.
Police had said they used water cannons and teargas canisters in the
crackdown to disperse the crowd, before throwing smoke bombs in
leaving 108 people injured mostly with severe burns.
The commission report confirms police used smoke bombs containing
phosphorus in the crackdown, which was the cause for the burns.
The protesters were calling for a complete halt of the mine, which
started extracting copper last year, citing inadequate compensation
given to villagers and potential adverse impacts on the environment.
The mine site covers over 7,800 acres of land, mostly farmland,
including 26 villages.
The commission, which includes parliamentarians, civil servants and
local area representatives, suggested the mine's operations continue,
after implementing its recommendations, based on a holistic approach
that considers economic, social, environmental issues as well as
Myanmar's international relations.
Suu Kyi, who is currently in capital Naypyitaw attending parliament
sessions, is expected to go to the project area Wednesday, probably to
talk to the villagers as the commission's report could disappoint the
locals there.
==Kyodo
posted by Myat Thura @ 5:47 AM
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