ITA News
In a resolute move, the Wa State Government has firmly enforced the suspension of all mining activities, according to the “Wa Jing Zi No. 2023-06” notice issued by the Central Economic Commission on April 15 and the subsequent “Notice on the Implementation of ‘Suspension of All Mineral Resources Exploitation’” on May 20. Effective from August 1, 2023, all mines and processing plants, regardless of size, have ceased production. The majority of local workers have been temporarily dismissed, and ore transport vehicles are prohibited from operation to prevent any raw ore transportation. A working group will enforce the suspension with mine inspections.
Currently, it is reported that the Wa State government has approximately two million physical tons of mined raw ore stocks, with an estimated benefication potential of 5,000-6,000 metal tons of tin concentrate. However, due to the shutdown of the dressing plant, benefication and sales of concentrate products have been halted. Additionally, around 1,500 metal tons of tin ore are awaiting clearance at the Meng’a Port, potentially leading to a period of stagnation in exports after August 10.
