Deadly Landslide at Hpakant Jade Mine Highlights Conflict-Driven Unregulated Mining
On June 30, 2026, state media in Myanmar confirmed that a slag heap collapse at a disused jade mine in Hpakant, Kachin State, killed five scavengers and left 15 others missing. The landslide, triggered by heavy monsoon rains, occurred in a region where the Myanmar military and opposition Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) are actively fighting for control of lucrative mining sites. Revenue from these unregulated mines remains a critical source of funding for both the junta and resistance groups.