By Kantarawaddy Times
Amid escalating aerial assaults by the military, workers employed in the quarry industry and civilians in Mawchi—a region previously unaffected by armed conflict—have begun fleeing or returning to their hometowns as security concerns intensify.
“There are actually more migrant workers here than locals,” said a Mawchi resident. “Some of them have been here for so long, they’re practically part of the community—some are even officially registered as locals. But now, with everything that’s happening, they’ve started going back to their hometowns.”
Another local explained that families—especially those with elderly people and children—have begun relocating to areas they perceive as safer.
Residents noted that the exodus accelerated following airstrikes carried out by the military on June 14 and 15, 2025.
“Some have already gone,” said a mining site supervisor. “They didn’t feel safe staying here anymore. Only a few are left—maybe three to five people. Most of those who left were from other areas, working here in the mines. They have families back home, so they started to worry. After the airstrikes, they just didn’t want to take the risk of staying.”
Due to the labor shortage, some mining operations in the area have been temporarily suspended, he added.
The military has conducted at least nine aerial bombardments in the Mawchi region since the beginning of 2025.
Mawchi is known for its rich deposits of lead and tungsten, and mining operations in the area have been ongoing for over a century.
