Myanmar Wanbao firm on 2016 schedule
Myanmar Wanbao Mining Copper Co Ltd (MWMCCL) plans to compensate farmers for crops that were damaged in the fencing-off of lands for the controversial Letpadaungtaung copper mine project, according to Dong Yunfei, the administrative manager for the compan
Farmers are to take out their compensations as quickly as possible. The company could fence off only half of the 6,700 acres of lands included in the project area. The company will complete its fencing during the coming year so as to start its copper production in 2016. The Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd will know the exact acres of lands, he added.
MWMCCL has already paid land compensations to local farmers three times.
The minimum compensation is Ks 1.8million per acre and the maximum amount is?Ks 3.25 million per acre.
About 50per cent of farmers have refused to accept the compensation as the amount offered for the 6,700 acres is relatively low.
Violence broke out on December 22,when MWMCCL tried to erect a?fence on lands for which protesters claimed they had not received compensation. A woman was killed and 40 others were injured in the clashes with police.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the company will start its copper production in 2016 if we finish our construction works during the coming year. Currently, we have suspended it, the manager said.
“Local people have called for the authorities to return their confiscated lands and make an investigation into the death of Daw Khin Win who was shot dead in the clash,” said Pho La Pyae, a resident ofMoegyopyin Ale village.
