YANGON: The Myanmar military has regained control of the Alpha Cement Plant and the Phayaungtaung mining area in Madaya Township, Mandalay Region, after they were temporarily occupied by joint forces of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Mandalay People's Defence Force (MDY-PDF) with backing from the National Unity Government.
According to reports, the combined group launched a major assault on 18 July 2025, targeting a security outpost in Myakantha Village. The outpost conducted a tactical withdrawal on 20 July, but on 21 July, armed forces counterattack units struck back with heavy weapons, forcing the attackers to retreat.
From 21 July, security forces launched a coordinated counteroffensive along four routes—from Madaya–Bokone–Kyauktada, Myakantha, Pansalaung Hill, and Baingpin Village— gradually tightening pressure on the armed groups. The Phayaungtaung mining area was retaken on 24 August, followed by the Alpha Cement Plant on 28 August.
Over the course of one month and seven days, clashes occurred 24 times, resulting in the seizure of 46 weapons, ammunition and equipment, along with 15 bodies of the armed group members. Military personnel also made sacrifices during the operations.
The occupation of the Alpha Cement Plant and the mining site had halted operations, disrupted livelihoods and driven up cement prices in the region. Individual PDF leaders had reportedly extracted and sold minerals for personal profit, causing further damage to the State and local communities.
The Alpha Cement Plant, located near Aungthabyay Village in Patheingyi Township, began operations in August 2020, producing 5,000 tonnes of cement daily with the support of 80 foreign experts and 300 local staff.
With the armed forces regaining control, repairs will be carried out on the plant and machinery to restore production, aiming to stabilise cement supply and restore job opportunities for local workers.
On 28 March 2025, a devastating Mandalay earthquake caused extensive damage to buildings in the city. The reconstruction of these buildings required a large volume of cement. The terrorist actions of the terrorists further caused significant harm and disruption to the socioeconomic lives of the local people.
Likewise, the Ministry of Mining operated the Phaungtaung mine (gold refinery) from 1986 to 1997 for the sake of the nation. After 1998, the refinery was leased to the private sector.
Such a mine emphasises the production of gold ore minerals and refining works with the strength of more than 170 employees. During the period when TNLA and MDY-PDF terrorists temporarily controlled these areas, business was damaged by the terrorists.
It was reported that the military will continue to conduct security operations where and MDY-PDF terrorist groups take positions between Madaya and Thabeikkyin townships. - Eleven Media/ANN
