By Kantarawaddy Times
Workers in the tungsten and wolfram mining trade in the Maw Chi area of Hpasaung Township, Karenni State, say they are facing hardship as ore prices fall while the cost of goods rises sharply.
Ore in the Maw Chi area is currently selling for about 120,000 kyat per viss (1.6 kg) on average, while better-quality ore sells for 130,000 to 140,000 kyat per viss, according to local residents.
“Right now, ore in Maw Chi sells for about 120,000 kyat per viss. Higher-quality ore with more than 70 percent purity can sell for 130,000 to 140,000 kyat. But with prices this low, it’s difficult to make a living. Day laborers only earn money when they have work, while the cost of everyday goods keeps rising. Everything is expensive,” said a 24-year-old mining worker.
Ore prices were much higher in July and August, when a viss of ore sold for between 150,000 kyat and, for high-quality ore, as much as 230,000 kyat. However, by October, prices had fallen to around 140,000 kyat, he said.
At the same time, the price of basic food items has continued to rise. As a result, many day laborers are finding it difficult to cover their daily living expenses with their earnings, another resident said.
“Basic food items are expensive too. Rice is 480,000 kyat a bag, and tomatoes and chicken are expensive too. Pork has reached 65,000 to 70,000 kyat per viss. Even 10,000 kyat doesn’t get you much cooking oil. Mustard greens are 5,000 kyat for two bundles,” he said.
At the same time, the 24-year-old resident said miners also fear air attacks while they work.
“We’re also worried about airstrikes. Since the last bombing, people here have been living in fear. But we can’t afford to stop working. We only earn money when we work,” he said.
As mining remains the primary livelihood for many households in Maw Chi, residents say they are hoping for a recovery in ore prices and a reduction in the cost of basic goods.
