Sale of Bawdwin mine set to finance Myanmar military
Aussie miner’s proposed sale of Bawdwin mine could finance murderous military regime, says NGO coalition.
Plans announced by ASX miner Myanmar Metals to sell its stake (51%) in the Bawdwin mine to Myanmar company Win Myint Mo will only enrich the murderous military regime and could further harm local communities, says NGO coalition Publish What You Pay.
If the sale goes ahead, Win Myint Mo – an offshoot of one of Asia’s largest conglomerates, Asia World Co. – will push ahead with the mine approvals resulting in revenue flows and profit shares going to the Myanmar military and their generals. As highlighted in our March investigation, Win Myint Mo has strong links with corrupt figures and supporters of the former military junta who were previously sanctioned by the US.
Clancy Moore, Australian director of Publish What You Pay made the following statements:
“We understand the challenges facing Myanmar Metals. However, any sale must adhere to the highest standards of transparency and human rights. This includes disclosing the possible profit sharing agreement with the now military controlled mining department and any human rights risks.”
“Myanmar Metals must discuss the future of this important mine with the National Unity Government before selling to a dodgy company with questionable links.”
“For any future sale, Myanmar Metals must conduct rigorous human rights due diligence, as per OECD guidelines, to ensure any sale does not result in further human rights risks such as funding the Myanmar military.”
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Notes:
Details of the proposed sale on Myanmar Metals website are here
PWYP report: Extracting the Truth about the Bawdwin mine, 1 March 2021
The Age/SMH article on Myanmar Metals, 1 March 2021
Contact Clancy Moore, 0410 508 051 for more comment