Myanmar's gem industry reveals troubling economics of conflict. A massive 11,000-carat ruby discovered near Mogok highlights how Myanmar's lucrative gemstone sector, producing 90 percent of global rubies, has become a critical revenue stream for the military junta. The discovery comes amid intense fighting in the country's civil war and amid international scrutiny over links between gem mining and military funding. Human rights organizations warn that gemstone revenues, both legitimately traded and smuggled, have sustained military governments for decades. The timing is significant as a new government installed this year returned power to Min Aung Hlaing, the army chief who led the 2021 military takeover. International pressure mounts on jewelers to boycott Myanmar gems due to these concerning connections between the valuable resource and military operations.
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