Jade
Phakant
Myanmar is the only source of Jadeite Jade and the only source of Imperial Jadeite in the world. Jadeite is found in Kachin State, located in the northern part of Myanmar, bordering China.
In 1996, after the success of the Mong Hsu Ruby mine, Ruby Dragon expanded into jade mining in Phakant in the Kachin State. Ruby Dragon has two different operations in Phakant: one private operation holding 60 acres under a concession, and another holding 61 acres in a joint-venture operation with the Ministry of Mines. The joint-venture operation started out using the underground mining method, but has since been upgraded to open-pit mining.
The 3000-Ton Massive Jade
In 2002, Ruby Dragon discovered the biggest jade block ever found in the world in its Nant Hmaw jade mine, weighing in at more than 3,000 tons. As this was the biggest jade block ever unearthed, Ruby Dragon felt that it should become a national treasure. As such, the company donated the stone to the state on May 26, 2002. It was preserved as much as possible to be observed in its natural condition inside the mountain, with the surrounding tunnel transformed into a museum.
