Residents are calling for an end to excessive gold mining in Mula Stream, a renowned natural landmark in Putao Township, Kachin State.
Since February, alluvial gold mining with heavy machinery has begun in the northern section of Mula Stream near Mulashidi Village in Putao Township.
“There are gold mining sites along Mula Stream not far from our village. Some are on the banks, and others use rafts set up in the stream, where they pump up sediment from the streambed and extract gold particles from it,” a Mulashidi villager told KNG.
Locals said about seven individuals, including some local businesspeople, are running at least six gold mining sites, using heavy machinery in their operations.
Junta troops based in Mulashidi Village, along with relevant authorities, have reportedly approved the gold mining operations, though it remains unclear how long the licenses have been granted.
Mula Stream, which originates from Mount Hkakabo Razi—the highest peak in Myanmar—is regarded as a natural landmark in Putao and is a vital water source for the entire region. Communities in downtown Putao, as well as villages such as Mulashidi, Muladi, and Yaychodi, depend heavily on the stream for their water supply.
An environmentalist criticized the decision to allow gold mining in such an important water resource instead of carefully preserving it, calling it a purely reckless act.
“Mula Stream is a special landmark. Its water is cold, clear, and very beautiful. It’s the responsibility of the relevant authorities to protect something like this. Instead, they’ve allowed gold mining, which doesn’t make sense at all. Now the stream is starting to be damaged. It’s important for locals to protect and preserve it,” he said.
Mula Stream is home to a variety of fish species and natural rock formations, and it is also vital to many local communities.
“Mula Stream is a natural and historical landmark, so all communities in Putao Township have a responsibility to preserve it. But now it’s really sad to see gold mining taking place there,” said a Putao resident. He added that the stream’s clarity is now beginning to decline due to gold mining.
A woman from Mulashidi Village also warned that if urgent action is not taken, water pollution will worsen and the local agricultural sector could be severely affected as a result.
“I’m not sure if the stream water will still be drinkable in the future. The stream is also very rich in fish. I’ve heard that when gold is mined, mercury can get into the water and make it unsafe to drink. I’m very worried about what might happen to Mula Stream,” she told KNG.
In light of these concerns, locals are stepping up calls for an immediate halt to gold mining in the stream.
Small-scale gold mining existed in Putao Township before the 2021 coup, but since the military takeover, illegal large-scale operations using heavy machinery have become widespread.
Some gold mining has become so excessive that rivers and streams flowing through settlements and farmland have completely disappeared.
