Among 22 companies operating rock quarries in the Kalama Mountain in Paung Township, Mon State, only seven companies have renewed their licenses, according to records from the Mon State Forest Department.
Shwe Myint Moh Tun, Ramanya, Win Shwe Sin, Long Light, and Ngwe Awzar are among the seven companies that have renewed their licenses.
An official from the state forest department said rock quarries have been halted after the owners do not renew their licenses even though the department has not shut down or suspend the rock quarries.
“We didn’t shut down anything. They didn’t come to renew the licenses. They can’t continue the excavations without renewing their licenses. So, the permit has been halted after the licenses expired,” she said.
She continued that the seven companies that have renewed their licenses have been allowed to work in Paung Township. Although some companies have applied to extend their licenses, they have not received the permits yet so they cannot operate the rock quarries.
License for operating rock quarrying is extended once a year and it is extended after collecting 25 percent tax on the annual production, she explained.
Eighteen rules relating to rock quarrying is included in the contract and respective township forest department and inspection teams conduct field inspections to check whether or not the companies follow the rules, she said.
Companies operating rock quarries are required to plant 20 percent of trees and the license is not extended for those that fail to plant the trees.
