Through its recent occupation of the Chipwi, Hsawlaw, Pang War and Phimaw mining areas, the KIA has acquired a veritable war chest. Myanmar Rare Earth generated revenue of $1.4 billion last year. SAC will therefore find itself even more penalized financially as it has sought to exploit an increasing number of mining sites since coming to power (a 40% increase according to the NGO Global Witness).
The KIA has an opportunity here to strike a double whammy, diverting significant revenue for its political and combat operations and overseeing an economic sector that has recently seen strong social discontent over the rise of Chinese predators. Prudent and patient management will be the source of considerable profits. The International Energy Agency announced an increase in rare earth prices from 3 to 7 by 2040. These are new and even sustainable resources that are likely to help (re)configure the battlefields of war, domestic and international relations against the SAC regime established in February 2021.
Francois Gilbert
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