Academic researchers, media outlets, and international non-governmental organizations have investigated the issue of rare earth mining in Myanmar’s Kachin State, which borders China’s Yunnan Province. According to their findings, rare earth mining has caused irreversible environmental and social impacts. These investigations have also examined the role of the New Democratic Army–Kachin (NDA-K) in rare earth mining activities in the Pangwa area of Chipwi Township. o expand on the knowledge of rare earth mining in Myanmar, we explore how the Kachin Independence Organization/Army (KIO/A) has governed rare earth mining in Mai Ja Yang, the second-largest town in KIO-controlled territory. We argue that the KIO/A has integrated rare earth mining governance into its broader narrative and efforts of nation-building. This governance has yielded mixed results. Economically, some villages have supported mining activities, while others have rejected them due to concerns about environmental impacts. Neither stance, however, has prioritized the aspirations of Kachin nation-building. Against this backdrop, we suggest that the KIO’s governance of rare earth mining should be transparent and inclusive of the diverse needs of local stakeholders. Additionally, international organizations should acknowledge and support the KIO’s role in governing natural resources responsibly.

Speakers
Seng Li (Shanan Foundation)
Ta-Wei Chu (Department of Social Science and Development, Chiang Mai University)