ILLEGAL gold mining in the Moehti-Moemi area of Yamethin Township, Mandalay Region, has led to environmental degradation, tax revenue losses, and natural disasters such as flooding, landslides, and soil erosion in nearby villages. Acting on reports and complaints from residents, joint task forces, including security personnel, have intensified efforts to uncover and arrest those involved in these illicit activities.

On 27 November 2024, a task force conducted an operation at Beckhoe Hill near Thabyaybin Village in the Moehti-Moemi area. The team discovered illegal gold mining operations and apprehended six individuals — U Zaw (son of U Htun Kyi), aged 52, from Kyu Taw Wa Village, Pyawbwe Township, and five others from Thabyaybin Village in Yamethin Township: Lwin Ko Naing (son of U Aye), aged 28; Kyaw Thet Paing (son U Ye Thway), aged 22; U Maung (son of U Nyo), aged 60; and Naing Kaung Htet (son of U Aye), aged 22. Equipment used in the mining activities was seized at the site.

The following day, 28 November, authorities searched the residence of a suspect, Tin Lin (son of U Myine), 45, from Thabyaybin Village. Although Tin Lin was not found, two other individuals — Win Soe (son of U Hla Than), 32, and Aung Soe Oo (son of U Aung Thein Win), 16 — were arrested. Authorities confiscated 35 bags of suspected gold-bearing earth, 20 bags of sand, five grinding plates, and other mining equipment.

Later that day, at around 6:30 pm, officials inspected an area near Beckhoe but found no miners. However, they seized equipment believed to be used in illegal gold mining, including 15 bags of suspected gold-bearing earth, a solar panel, a battery, a hand-held generator, a diesel engine, a dynamo, a wheelbarrow, and 13 motorbikes.

In total, seven individuals were apprehended during the operations, with arrest warrants issued for Tin Lin and others still at large. Cases have been filed against the suspects under Section 30 (a) of the Myanmar Mines Law at Yamethin Township Police Station, and further legal action is underway.

Authorities remain vigilant in combatting illegal gold mining within state-owned mining concessions in Moehti-Moemi. These efforts aim to curb environmental harm, recover lost state revenue, and uphold the rule of law while ensuring territorial security. All operations are conducted in compliance with existing legal frameworks.

MNA/TMT

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