Myanmar Kachin State Mining Accident Claims Five Lives, Fifteen Missing

A severe mining disaster has occurred in Myanmar’s northern Kachin State, killing five workers and leaving fifteen others missing. The incident was caused by a collapse of a jade mine during a monsoon storm.

Kachin State, the country’s northernmost province, borders China’s Tibet and Yunnan regions to the north, Shan State to the south, and Sikkim and India’s Arunachal Pradesh to the west. The state covers about 89,041 square kilometres and has a relatively small population, yet it is rich in natural resources such as jade, gold and copper. Its capital is Myitkyina, with other significant towns including Bhamo, Mong Hpayak and Putao. The state also hosts Myanmar’s highest peak, standing at 5,889 metres and forming the southern terminus of the Himalayas, as well as the country’s largest inland lake, Indawgyi Lake, and three national parks