Regional Stability: Regaining control of Cement Factory and Gold Mine

The Tatmadaw has regained control of the Alpha Cement Factory and Phayaung Taung Gold Mine, which were temporarily occupied by TNLA and MDY-PDF forces.

These areas had been held by the armed groups since mid-July as part of their broader offensive to capture Mandalay. During their control, they looted property, collected extortion money, destroyed infrastructure, and disrupted local economic activities.

From July 21 to August 28, the Tatmadaw launched coordinated offensives from four directions, engaging in 24 battles. They reported seizing back both strategic locations with minimal damage to factory facilities and recovering 15 bodies and 46 weapons from the opposing forces.

The Alpha Cement Factory, once producing 5,000 tons daily and employing over 300 workers, had been shut down, leading to local cement shortages and price hikes, especially after the March earthquake in Mandalay. Similarly, the Phayaung Taung Gold Mine, which employs over 170 people, was also forced to halt operations.

The terrorist forces reportedly exploited the resources for personal gain. The Tatmadaw states that repair and recovery efforts are underway to resume operations at both sites, which will help restore jobs and stabilize local markets. They also plan to continue clearing remaining rebel-held areas between Madaya and Thabeikkyin to protect other national and private economic zones.