he Myanmar Times highlighted that two foreign mining companies have applied to look for minerals in Chin State, prompting the local government to send a team to assess the proposed area and determine its suitability, according to the state’s forestry and mining minister.
In this regards, Khonumthung has asked an official person of Chin National Front (CNF) on the issue of natural resources in Chin state, as they have plan to talk about natural resources in Chin state with State government and Union government after Union Peace Conference in Nyipyidaw.
Pu Paul Sita, Secretary of Foreign affairs (CNF) said, “It is better to discuss with local people for the first step under the new government during peace process and transitional period, and we don’t want to go further process on minerals issue in Chin state,” to Khonumthung News.
According to the Newspaper, First Light Mandalay Mining & Metals Company from Australia and India’s Balasore Alloys are hoping to sign a contract with the Department of Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration under the Ministry of Mines.
After receiving their application last month, representatives from the police force, forestry and agriculture departments, general administration office, land records department and planning department are all checking whether the proposed area is suitable, said State Minister for Forestry and Mining U Kyaw Nyein.
First Light Mandalay wants to mine for copper in Kanpetlet township, Mindat district, while Balasore Alloys has applied to explore chromite in Tonzang township, Falam district.
If the team approves the investments, the companies will then need to apply for permission to the Union government, said U Kyaw Nyein.
“The team’s findings will be discussed in the Chin State Hluttaw, which will give a recommendation to the Union government. Ultimately, permission is in the hands of the Union government alone.”
Indian company Karam Chang Thapar (KCT) is also looking for chromite in Falam and Tonzang while Chinese company North Mining Investment is exploring for nickel in the Mwe Taung Phar Taung area of Tiddim township.