The ministry of economic affairs will begin an independent investigation into whether Kuenphen Norden mine in Khariphu, Mewang gewog adversely impacts the five villages below it. Economic affairs minister, Norbu Wangchuk, said the ministry’s mandate was to issue or renew license of mines based on the clearances from local governments, and other agencies, including the public clearance. Kuenphen Norden mine had fulfilled all procedures and requirements for the renewal of the lease. “However, we’ve decided to investigate after villagers have approached the ministry twice after they were dissatisfied with the investigation Thimphu dzongkhag conducted,” he said, adding that the people had the right to appeal to higher authority and the ministry had to take action. The villagers complained that the mine was drying up their drinking water source, its debris were flowing into their paddy fields affecting the yield, and the labour camps were polluting their drinking water. The dzongkhag released its investigation report that took one month with soil and water test reports, on April 21, and declared the complaints incredible. The administration then tried to resolve the issues through mediation. The 19 complainants then took the case to the economics affairs minister. The minister also met with villagers, who have given their consent for the renewal of the mining lease, and the mine operator yesterday morning. Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk said the ministry’s investigation team would not include those involved in the dzongkhag’s investigation. “There won’t be any more meetings hereafter, and the result of the investigation will determine whether or not to renew the lease of the mine,” the minister said. One of the complainants, Lotey Om, said the mountain, where mining took place, is considered a sacred place. “Disturbing the place could bring us misfortune,” she said. Other villagers said the sacred place and the mine are miles apart. “If the mountain is a sacred place, then mining activity on the other side of it at Gedaphu must also stop,” a villager said. Villagers supporting the mine lease renewal who met the minister said that the community had been living in harmony until the mining issue emerged last year. That was after new mining proposals came up, one of which offered money for the public clearance. Thimphu dzongkhag rejected proposal rejected. “There are vested interests and it’s sad that those brought the community into turmoil,” an old man said. In an earlier interview, Thimphu dzongda, because of these allegations involving money, said the case would be submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission. Meanwhile, the mine remains closed after its lease expired on March 31. It has operated for the past 10 years and sought to renew its lease for another five years.