For nearly a decade, China’s Wanbao Mining Limited and Myanmar Yang Tse Copper Ltd.—subsidiaries of China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco)—have operated large-scale copper mines in Yinmarbin District, Sagaing Region. Their projects have long standing conflict with local communities. Tensions escalated after the 2021 military coup, when thousands of mine workers joined anti-coup protests and strikes, halting operations.
After armed conflict broke out in late 2021, the junta started using the project area’s infrastructure as military posts. In June 2022, resistance forces launched an attack on the mining site, prompting the company to issue a statement condemning the action. The junta began providing security for the company and conducting military operations in nearby villages, including raids and arson attacks.
In August 2023, as the company fenced off areas to secure the mining project, several villages became trapped, with access routes blocked.
Mining projects was resumed in 2024. The junta has been providing security for convoys for the company. Before these convoys arrive, the troops conduct clearance operations, launching artillery strikes and opening fire in the area, which forces residents to flee.
As these convoys pass through the area at least once a month, villagers are forced to flee their homes every time. Local resistance forces have occasionally launched attacks on these convoys. Caught in the midst of this conflict, local communities face constant threats to their lives and are left with nowhere safe to go, forcing them into a state of ongoing hardship and fear.
Image Caption: Chindwin River, Monywa, Myanmar. Image courtesy of Iván Vieito García/Adobe Stock.
