Dozens missing in collapse at Myanmar jade mine

By Kyaw Ye Lynn</p> <p>NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar (AA) – More than 50 people went missing after a landslide hit major jade mining area in the country’s northern Kachin state, an official said on Tuesday.</p> <p>The accident occurred near Maw Wun kalay village in Hpakant Township when a mud-filter pond, situated in an old mining site, collapsed last night at around 11.30 p.m. local time (1700GMT), said Kyaw Swa Aung, the township administer.</p> <p>As a result, a total of 54 staff from two private companies — most of them were assigned to guard the nearby mining sites — went missing, he said.</p> <p>“Three dead bodies have been recovered from the mud,” he said, adding search and rescue operation were still going on. </p> <p>At least 20 people have been killed this year by collapses and landslides at mining sites, according to Hpakant township office.</p> <p>Most of the victims were identified as internally-migrant workers who scavenge jade or pieces of the precious stones left over from company mining operations. </p> <p>Hpakant area is the center of the country’s jade mining industry and produces some of the best-quality jade in the world.</p> <p>