Yangon, Dec 27 (IANS): Myanmar will assess the environmental impact of a copper mining project in which a Chinese company has a stake.

Myanmar's Investigation Commission has assigned Myanmar Environmental Institute (MEI) to assess environmental degradation and impact on social life brought about the Monywa Letpadaungtaung Copper Mining Project in northwestern Sagaing region, according to a press release of the commission issued here Thursday.

The Monywa Letpadaungtaung copper mining project is being implemented by a joint venture between the Myanmar Economic Holding Ltd and China's Wanbao Mining Ltd and Yang Tze Copper Ltd in accordance with Myanmar's Foreign Investment Law, reported Xinhua.

A total of 12 experts formed the assessment group to undertake the task, the release said.

The expert group is set to submit its preliminary report to the commission within two weeks, it added.

Myanmar reformed the investigation commission with 16 members Dec 3 to probe the Monywa Letpadaungtaung copper mine project in a bid to find out if the project is profitable for the state and the people and if it should be allowed to continue.

The Monywa copper mining project comprising Latpadaungtaung and Kyayzintaung projects has been undertaken by the Myanmar-China joint venture under the approval of the Ministry of Mines in March 2010 after a Canadian company, the Ivanhoe, pulled out two years ago.