Public land between Kyauk Pi Zat Village and Koe Suu Village in Ywangan Township is being fenced off as preparations begin to restart mining operations, according to local residents.

The move has sparked concern among communities who say they were not consulted and fear potential environmental damage and loss of livelihoods.

Mining in the area dates back to the early 2010s, when lead and silver were extracted. Operations were later suspended following local opposition and other challenges. Residents now report that activity resumed in the first week of April 2026, when a company began fencing land around former mine sites and starting excavation work.

“This mine has been dormant for a long time. Recently, they came and fenced off the land and started digging. Part of my farm was included. Villagers were not informed; they only coordinated with a few landowners,” a local man told SHAN.

He added that the previous operator was reportedly a Chinese company and said he suspects foreign business interests may again be involved, though this has not been independently confirmed.

Residents say the new mining footprint appears larger than in the past, extending into land they describe as public or commonly used community areas. Many fear a repeat of earlier environmental impacts.

“In the past, mining damaged the land and affected water quality. We did not benefit from it at all,” said a woman in her 30s from Ywangan Township. “We do not agree with this happening again.”

Locals are particularly concerned about water contamination and soil degradation, which they say could affect farming and long-term livelihoods.

Community members are calling on relevant authorities to clarify the project, identify the company involved, and consult affected residents before further work proceeds. SHAN is independently seeking to verify the identity of the company and the legal status of the land.

Residents also link the renewed activity to the current political situation, saying weak oversight may be enabling companies to restart projects that previously faced resistance.

In a separate development, locals report ongoing laterite (red soil) extraction in Kazet Village, where trucks are transporting material toward Kyaukse, raising additional concerns about unregulated resource use in the area.

As mining preparations continue, residents warn that without transparency and safeguards, the project could deepen environmental damage and economic hardship for local communities.