The Government of Myanmar has decided to put restrictions on jade mining in the Kachin State. The areas that will be restricted as a result are Lonekhin and Hpakant mining block areas.  Additionally, the Government will no longer grant permission for mining in any new mining blocks.  In future the Government is going to introduce by-laws of the enacted Gems Law and from then on limited number of mining blocks of various sizes will be permitted to operate company-wise. This decision has been taken in the aftermath of 13 deaths resulting due to collapse of land waste from jade mine in Hpakant. 

Earlier, in the month of November 2015 around 121 people lost their lives due to a similar incident. Understanding the seriousness of the situation, Myanmar Government relocated 108 migrant miners living in high risk areas in Hpakant to safer sites. As of now, mining areas in Hpakant extend to a total of area of more than 9,134 hectares. However, this recent accident and more deaths have compelled the Government to take stricter measures and reduce the mining area.