Myanmar tribespeople protest against Chinese-led lead mining operations
- Protests by Pradawng tribespeople in Myanmar have erupted against a Chinese joint venture's lead mining operation, initiated without local consultation.
- Concerns are raised about environmental degradation, soil and water pollution, and the health risks posed to children as a result of mining activities.
- Protest leader Khun Khine Min Naing emphasizes the tribe's commitment to protecting their ancestral land for future generations despite financial incentives.
In Myanmar, the Pradawng tribespeople are protesting against the activities of a Chinese joint venture that has commenced lead mining in their ancestral area. This conflict has arisen in the wake of the 2021 military coup that has stirred civil unrest and allowed unregulated mining to proliferate in regions lacking legal oversight. Despite the forecasted increase in demand for lead, particularly for batteries in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, locals express deep concerns over the environmental impact of mining, including pollution of soil and water, which poses significant health risks, particularly to children. Since heavy machinery was installed in February, the Pradawng tribe claims they were not consulted about these operations, leading to their mobilization against the project. They assert that they regard their land as integral to their cultural identity and oppose any economic compensation that comes at the cost of environmental degradation. The protest leader, Khun Khine Min Naing, vocally emphasizes the tribe's desire to protect their land for future generations, fearing the adverse effects of mining could lead to lasting damage. Similarly, villagers living near Chinese-owned Zijin mines in Serbia and Tajikistan face related issues with environmental degradation. These communities report air pollution, reduced farmland quality, and lack of governmental support despite their vocal concerns. Promises from Zijin about improving mining practices have gone unfulfilled, resulting in community discontent as the residents widely perceive the government's endorsement of the company as prioritizing economic gain over environmental health. Overall, the miners' operations in these regions have sparked significant protests, highlighting a broader issue of local voices being silenced in favor of economic interests tied to foreign investments. Activists argue that the potential harm to both their health and environment from these mining practices far outweighs the short-term financial benefits offered by mining operations.