Two people have died and around 30 are missing after a mountain of rubble collapsed at a jade mine in war-torn northern Myanmar.
According to a mine worker, the death toll could rise to 50 once all of the bodies have been retrieved from the massive rock pile, Reuters reported.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The landslide is said to have been caused by debris heaped beside the mine, which collapsed when heavy rains loosened the material.
Local lawmaker Kyaw Soe Lay said rescue workers are clearing piles of rubble in the open pit mine in Hpakant, a town located in Kachin state.
The mine worker told the news agency that: "The mine dump measuring about 700ft (213m) in height and about 1,500ft in length collapsed today burying eleven shops."
According to a Myanmar-focused website and magazine, The Irrawaddy, Hpakant is the largest source of Myanmar jade, which recorded $3.4bn of sales at the annual gems emporium.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataOwing to a rise in conflict in Kachin, sales of jade in resource-rich Myanmar has dropped off in recent years.
