Myanmar forms investigation body to look into controversial copper mine project

Published on Monday, 03 December 2012 05:35

The President’s Office announced the formation of an investigation commission on December 1, 2012 with notification No 92/2012 to look into whether a copper mine project at Lepadaungtaung should be continued, and to find out the true situation of the recent protest against the project.

The commission, headed by Daw Aung San Suu Ky, includes three parliament representatives from the National League for Democracy (NLD) including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, four parliament representatives from Union Solidarity and Development Party, two political party leaders, two from 88 Generation Students Group, eight government officials, a military officer, two from Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, a writer, two from Myanmar Environmental Institute, a representative from Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited, a representative from Myanmar Peace Center and three locals.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will act as the chairperson of the commission and U Sit Myaing from the National Human Rights Commission has been appointed secretary of the commission.

The government mouthpiece, the New Light of Myanmar newspaper, said that the commission will investigate the following cases and submit an assessment for ensuring the rule of law and national interest along with recommendations.

(a)    Whether the copper mine projects adheres to international norms and employs appropriate technologies for environmental conservation;
(b)    the impacts and profits of the copper mine project on social and natural environment;
(c)    whether the copper mine project will be profitable for the state;
(d)   causes of the protests that demanded the shutting down of the copper mine project;
(e)    review on control of protests and injuries to members of the Sangha;
(f)    Whether the copper mine project should continue or the foreign investment should be suspended;
(g)    Suggestion on development of the country and the rule of law;
(h)    Miscellaneous reviews and suggestions of the commission.

Parliament approved on November 23 the proposal submitted by a representative of NLD Party to set up an independent commission to study the impact of the Lapadaungtaung project.

The joint venture project is implemented by Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited and China's Wanbao Company.