The Bawsai Mines in the south produces lead and pyrites. In the surrounding hills of the southern town of Kalaw, dolomite, pyrites, Fluorides can be found in abundance. At Loi Ma, near another southern town of Hpe-Khoung, lead deposits remain undeveloped. Besides these known deposits the geological survey discovered in 1963, there also is tin and wolfram deposits at Pangpek near the Shan State capital of Taunggyi, estimated at over 63 million tons. Diamond is found in the environs of Mong mit and gems in Namhkan Township.
    Many undiscovered or unexplored natural resources in the Shan State still remain hidden to be used later for the development of the Shan State and its people. Mogok (Mong Kut in Shan) which is world famous for its rubies and sapphires lies within the State of Mong Mit in the north but has been nationalized and drawn into the Mandalay Division of Burma.

PEOPLE

Ethnic groups: It is composed of more than 20 ethnic national groups in Shan state. the majority of whom are Shan (Tai). It is a multiethnic nation and the main ethnic groups are: Shan (Tai), Palawng, Pa-O, Kachin, Wa, Lahu, Akha and Kokang Chinese.
Shan or Tai (Thai Yai in Thai): 68% of the total population are Shan and therefore Shan are the dominant ethnic group. Most Shan are farmers and livestock breeders who predominantly live in the valleys and lowlands.
Palawng or Ta-arng: About 7% of the total population are the Palaungs who call themselves “Ta-arng”. They are concentrated in the northern mountainous region of Namhsan or Palaung Tawngpeng State. They are mostly dependent upon tea plantations producing English tea and pickled tea (Chinese tea) for consumers throughout the Union. Due to socio-political upheavals, some of them migrated into the central and southern mountains of the Shan State using their Knowledge about tea planting for their livelihood.
Pa-o: The Pa-o ethnic group is also about 7% and are found in the Southern part of the Shan State. The Pa-o grow agricultural cash crops such as potatoes, cabbages, garlic and especially the cheroot-leaves for local and Burmese cheroot industries.
Wa: About 5% of the population are the Wa people. They inhabit the eastern mountains along the Salween and the areas bordering China. The Wa make their living on the harsh mountain slopes and valleys using the old slash and burn methods.