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Myanmar General Inspects 11,000-Carat Ruby, Sparks Gem Boycott

5/8/2026

23 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Min Aung Hlaing examined the 11,000-carat ruby on display in his Naypyitaw office.
The gem, the second-largest ever found in Myanmar, was uncovered in mid-April after the traditional New Year festival.
Myanmar provides roughly 90% of the world’s rubies, a market that underwrites the military’s revenue.
Global Witness has urged jewelers to stop buying Myanmar-sourced gems because the trade funds the military government.

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Story summary

President Min Aung Hlaing examined the 11,000-carat ruby on display in his Naypyitaw office.
The gem, the second-largest ever found in Myanmar, was uncovered in mid-April after the traditional New Year festival.
Myanmar provides roughly 90% of the world’s rubies, a market that underwrites the military’s revenue.
Global Witness has urged jewelers to stop buying Myanmar-sourced gems because the trade funds the military government.