Rubies of “very good quality” are being found near the Burmese-Chinese border and in areas secured by the military government of Gen. Saw Maung, says Burma’s Ambassador to Thailand U Nyunt Swe.

            The dozen ethnic minorities opposed to the government control the border areas but the mining areas where jade and other gems are “easily found” are controlled by the Rangoon government, said the Burmese envoy. “They are secure. No insurgents.”

            Rebels of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) roam in limited parts of  Kachin State, while government troops patrol most mining sites of Myanma jadeite in that state between Ayeyanwady and Chindwin rivers of Upper Burma, said the ambassador, In Mogok, northeast of Mandalay, the world’s most valuable rubies are still being retrieved from the fills that are off-limits to foreigners.

            Asked if there was a special relationship between Thai gem traders and the state-run Myanma Gems Enterprise, Ambassador U Nyunt Swe said: “We are neighbors. We know each other and share similar mentality. On economic policy, we welcome everybody. If the Thais make better offers, then we accept. We have no restriction. Business is not yet concluded.”