The local government in Myanmar’s southernmost region has said it will not issue any new mining licences until environmental concerns and controversies have been resolved at operational mines in the resource-rich area.

A number of mining projects in Tanintharyi Region have long been opposed by local residents who have accused their operators of polluting water supplies and ruining farmland.

U Myint Maung, Tanintharyi Region minister for natural resources and environmental conservation, who is leading a mine-scrutinising group, said several companies have broken the terms of their contracts, flouted the Mining Law and caused environmental damage.

Until these companies start playing by the rules, they will find it very difficult to extend their licences, U Myint Maung said. Further, the regional government will not sign any recommendation letters for new mining operations until the existing players clean up their acts.

“We want investment, and we know that it is very important for regional development,” he said. “We are not paying attention only to environmental conservation, but all the operations in the region have to reduce their impact on the environment as much as possible,” he said.

More than 10 mining companies have asked for permits to do business, he said, but for now the regional government has not given any of them recommendation letters.

Instead, it will focus on tackling longstanding issues in the industry.