Myanmar Villagers Agree to Relocate From China-Backed Copper Mine
Letpadaung copper mine in 2014. / The Irrawaddy
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By Thazin Hlaing 20 January 2021
Yangon Villagers near a China-backed copper mining project in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region, have agreed to relocate to a new site after years of disputes over compensation for confiscated land.
China Wanbao Engineering Company has been operating the controversial Letpadaung copper mine in partnership with the military-owned Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Company (UMEHL) since 2010. Protests began in 2012 against the mine, with villagers saying it cost them their livelihoods and damaged the environment while demanding compensation.
In November 2012 more than 70 monks and around 10 civilians, who were peacefully protesting, were injured when security forces used highly toxic white phosphorus against them. In 2014 a female protester was shot dead by police.