The Myanmar Federation of Mining Associations (MFMA) has provided more background for this event which will bring together the leaders in the domestic mining industry and visitors from overseas in a great networking experience October 30-31 this year, alongside Mining Myanmar – 2nd International Mining and Minerals Recovery Exhibition, http://corporate.im-mining.com/imevents/; www.miningmyanmar.com. [email protected] is calling for abstracts.
MFMA confirms that current mining is still predominately small-scale and using basic mining methods.
Small scale investors, which make up some 95% of miners are defined by three- to five-year leases on a maximum of 8 ha for gold, or up to 20 ha for other concessions.
Large scale investors, approximately 5%, are defined by 10 to 25 years leases on 20+ ha, including gold and other minerals.
The main mined minerals are: gold, antimony, tin, silver, lead, zinc, copper and tungsten.
The industry’s main problems are lack of finance and a lack of advanced mining technology. Particular sectors lacking technology are:
• Underground mining – this needs big improvements
• Blasthole drilling
• After blasting mechanised machines are needed to muck the broken ore and waste. Currently a lot of this is done by hand
• Good ventilation equipment and practice is required to clear fumes after blasting
• Conveyor systems to move materials. Once again a lot of this is done by hand
• Crushing and grinding mills, to all sizes
• Education and technical support regarding better modern, more efficient mining practices
In terms of mining education Myanmar’s miners need:
• How to run a mining business
• Book keeping
• Replacing traditional methods with modern advanced technology
In general, the industry currently export raw materials but wants to do more refining locally. They need education and equipment to do this. For example, gold, most refining is still done by hand.
Myanmar has large deposits of marble. Currently they export raw materials but they want to change to exporting refined products.
The Myanmar Mineral Commodity Exchange is due to open in 2015 and they are starting from ground-zero.