Shimmering Jade

 The Dark Side of Myanmar's Jade Trade


Boasting a reported 21,000 jade mines in Hpakant and Khamti, in a 2016 report of Myanmar Gems and Jewellery Enterprise, Myanmar's jade trade has long been celebrated as a symbol of natural beauty and ancient craftsmanship, a gleaming industry that fuels the country's economy. Yet beneath all the allure of the precious stones lies stories of exploitation, conflict, and human hardship that remains hidden from the public eye.

By John Sai Luu


For many communities in Myanmar's northern regions, jade mining is not a choice but a reality marked by hazardous working conditions and human rights abuses. Investigative reports by the 'Business & Human Rights Resource Centre' reveal the industry is deeply entangled with issues of drug addiction, slave labour, and environmental degradation, where vulnerable workers become ensnared in cycles of exploitation. The report highlights the details of how Myanmar's bloodstained jade mining industry is built on a foundation of horrible labour conditions and sever ecological damage.

By John Sai Luu



Another layer of complexity is added by geopolitical influences. China's expansive demand for jade has profoundly shaped the trade, driving practices that accelerate the exploitation of local communities. As explored in a blog by the Council on Foreign Relations, China's role in Myanmar's dangerous jade trade is pivotal in fuelling both the market and the Military Junta, where ethical considerations are easily side-lined in the name of profit.


The images of rugged mining landscapes and grim working conditions serve a powerful counterpoints to the industry's polished exterior. They compel us to confront the truth about natural resource extraction. As Myanmar's jade trade continues to evolve, there is an urgent need for serious reform and ethical oversight.



References:

Information from these websites were used to help write the content:
  • https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/myanmars-bloodstained-jade-mining-industry-is-built-on-drug-addiction-slave-labour-environmental-destruction/
  • https://www.cfr.org/blog/chinas-role-myanmars-dangerous-jade-trade
ChatGPT was used in brainstorming ideas for this blogpost

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