Five people killed, about 15 missing after jade mine waste collapses in Myanmar

June 30, 2026

Yangon: At least five people were killed and about 15 others are feared trapped after a massive pile of waste collapsed at a defunct jade mine in Myanmar’s Kachin State, according to state media.

Monsoon Rains Cause Fatal Accident

The incident occurred late Sunday night in Hpakant Township, where about 20 freelance jade scavengers were searching for remaining gemstone fragments under floodlights when an unstable pile of mining waste suddenly collapsed. Officials said continuous monsoon rains weakened the old slag heap, leading to the collapse.

Rescue Operation Underway

Rescue teams have recovered five bodies and are continuing to search for about 15 people buried under the debris. Officials said efforts are continuing deJade collectors’ livelihoods are risky

Hpakant has some of the world’s largest jade deposits, but the industry remains largely unregulated. Many impoverished locals risk their lives sifting through discarded mining waste in the hope of finding precious pieces of jade overlooked by mining companies.

Mining accidents are common in conflict zones

Fatal accidents are frequent in Myanmar’s jade mining sector, especially during the monsoon season when heavy rains destabilize waste piles and excavation sites. Since the country’s 2021 military coup, the Hpakant region has also witnessed intense fighting between the Myanmar military and armed groups vying for control of the lucrative jade trade.