Kachin State is in Burma's northern most tip, where the Southeast Asia's highest peak Mt. Hkakaborazi and biggest inland lake Indawgyi are situated. Irrawaddy forms from May Kha and Mali Kha rivulets at north 25 miles of Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State.
Gold miners working along the Irrawaddy banks and on its floor created new topography and forced the locals to move from their homes. Their lack of knowledge about the danger of Mercury usage in collecting gold particals is one of the major problem in there.
Pha kant is at the West of Myitkyina, 80 miles away. Jade mining in there also threat the nature of the Uru river as well as the locations of the towns by the miniers' dumping soil after searching the precious stones.
Irrawaddy once clear and quality water provider now is in danger.