Myanmar bans mining near major rivers for environment reason

Antara News, Fri, March 30 2012

Yangon (ANTARA News/Xinhua-OANA) - Myanmar has banned mining of mineral resources along the country`s four major river courses or near these river banks in a bid to preserve natural environment, according to an order of the Ministry of Mines made public Thursday.

The four rivers are Ayeyawaddy, Thanlwin, Chindwin and Sittoung.

Exploration and production of minerals including gems and jewelry along the river courses or closer than 90 meters to the river banks is prohibited, the order said.

The order added that the measure is aimed at emergence of clean environment of the four rivers to enable smooth flow of river water and facilitate water transport and tourism.

Editor: Ella Syafputri