Mandalay Region Water Resources and Rivers Development Department chief Kyaw Myint Than told Mizzima that they are planning to take legal action against illegal gold miners working the Ayeyarwady River near Pay Thaung village, Thabeikkyin township in Mandalay Region under the  Water Resources and Rivers Law, and Mining Law.

On January 13, the township police force, the township administrative chief, the Mandalay Region Water Resources and Rivers Development Department, and the Mining Department jointly arrested the illegal gold miners.

“We have seized their equipment as evidence,” said Kyaw Myint Than, Mandalay Region Water Resources and Rivers Development Department chief.

Although the pieces of equipment have been seized, nobody has been detained, said the relevant officials.

Kyaw Myint Than said that illegal gold mining in Ayeyarwady River can damage the river and the natural environment. The chemicals used in gold mining also damages the quality of the water in the river, and that’s why they are planning to take legal actions against the illegal gold miners, he said.