Kantarawaddy Times
Lead prices have dropped in the Mawchi area of Hpasawng Township, Karenni State, due to declining demand and reduced buying activity, according to local residents.
Residents said lead is now selling for around 150,000 kyats per viss, down from over 200,000 kyats per viss for high-quality lead last month. Since last week, most traders have halted purchases, causing prices to fall sharply, a female mine owner said.
“People are no longer buying lead, and it’s discouraging. Only those with strong financial capacity are still buying, but even then, prices are not as good as before,” she said. “Now, most buyers have stopped. Even high-quality lead only sells for about 150,000 kyats. It’s no longer profitable. What we earn doesn’t cover the costs anymore.”
She added that the reason behind the decline in demand and the suspension of purchases remains unclear. Lead from the Mawchi area is mainly purchased by Chinese business operators.
“For us, we need advance payments to run mining operations, usually through brokers. If brokers don’t provide funding, we cannot continue working,” she said. “Now, most brokers have stopped buying. We can only operate if they provide money. Without that, it’s very difficult to continue.”
At the same time, some workers have returned to their hometowns, creating further difficulties for mining operations, she added.
Residents in Mawchi said many people depend on lead mining and trading for their livelihoods, and the falling prices are having a direct impact on their income and daily survival.
