Informarion Sheet A- 0061

[OKKAR66127@xxxxxxx]

                                 Informarion Sheet
                                 ********************

	A- 0061						                 16-7 - 97

(A)		A ferry bus commuting between the town of Myawaddy and Kawkareik was
robbed by (3) armed soldiers of the Karen National Union. The incident took
place on the 15th. of July at 1:30 pm and in the event Daw Ohn Myint (42)
yrs. from Thwe Thaut Village of Mawlamyaine Township was shot in the stomach
by one of the terrorist. The (3) armed men later fled with the properties
robbed from the passengers. Responsible local security personnel are in hot
pursuit of the (3) KNUs, it is learnt.

(B)		The Ministry of Mines issued an announcement on the 15th. of July on
Mineral prospecting and operation in the Third Round consisting of 12 blocks
to be permitted to foreign companies.

		? The Ministry of Mines, with the power vested by Myanmar Mines Law, under
Section 7, is desirous of developing, resources in the country especially
gold, copper, lead, zinc, silver and nickel. Therefore, the Ministry of Mines
invites foreign companies to conduct mineral prospecting and exploration
operations in the third Round consisting of 12 blocks. The most geologically
favorable areas include Kyaungle-Mansi Area, Namma-Kangon Area, Katha-Indaw
Area, Namhsan Area, Nammilaung Area, Sinbo-Nankesam Area, Bhamo-Myothit area,
Mabein North Area, Mwe Taung Area, Kanpetlet Area, Lawksawk Area and Myesay
Taung Area. Area coverage of each block is 540 square miles (1,400 sq km).
The initial stage of activity will be prospecting and during a period of one
year, a mineral occurrence should be identified using various discipline of
prospecting. It is to be followed by a one-year exploration stage. However,
50 per cent of the original area of the block has to be relinquished at the
end of prospecting stage and it is to be a contiguous area. Exploration stage
can be extended twice of one-year period each and at the end of initial one
year and subsequent extensions, mandatory relinquishment is 50 per cent each
time. It is to be followed by a feasibility stage of one year and if found
economically feasible, joint venture agreement will be signed.?

		? All interested parties are to submit sealed bids on competitive basis
addressed to the Minister, Ministry of Mines, Kanbe, Yankin, Yangon, not
later than 4 pm, local time, 16th. September 1997. Summary of general terms
and conditions, instructions and information for bidders are available at the
Department of Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration and interested
parties may contact the Director- General of that department. Preliminary
reconnaissance site visit to various interested blocks may be arranged with a
request to Director-General of Department of Geological Survey and Mineral
Exploration.?
*************************