31 Mines in Northern Shan State Mostly Controlled by SAC, TNLA, and MNDAA

Mekong, September 23 Of the 31 mining blocks located in northern Shan State, the SAC, TNLA, and MNDAA control the majority, according to a report released this month by ISP-Myanmar. Among the mines, the SAC controls 10 blocks, approximately 32 percent, in full. These blocks are located in Tant Yan, Nawn Cho, Theebaw, and Lashio townships, and are mining coal, limestone, lead, gordon stone, and silver, according to ISP. "In Tant Yan Township, at least 4 coal mining blocks are controlled by the Myanmar military. UWSA forces are also active in that area," ISP stated in the report. In addition, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) fully controls 9 mining blocks, or 29 percent. These blocks are located in Namtu, Kyaukme, Namkham, and Mantong townships, and produce lead, silver, gold, silicon stone, marble, zinc, copper, crystal, coal, and jade. The Kokang Army (MNDAA) fully controls nearly 8 blocks, or 26 percent. Most of the mines controlled by the Kokang Army are coal mines located within the Nam village tract of Theebaw Township. As the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) is also active in the area, battles occurred in early 2025 over the control of coal mines. Currently, MNDAA continues to control the area, and the mined coal is being exported to China via the Sinni-Kunlong-Chinswehaw route, according to ISP. Of the 31 mining blocks, 26 have been granted mining rights by domestic companies, while it is unknown which companies are mining the remaining 5 blocks. Mining operations are still ongoing at 24 mining blocks. Among the mining blocks, coal mining blocks are the most numerous, followed by lead mines, and then gold mines. By township, Theebaw Township has the most mining blocks, with at least 7 blocks. Of the 31 mining blocks in northern Shan State, 2 blocks are of high importance and a total of 15 blocks are of medium importance. The highly important Namtu mine is controlled by TNLA, and the Maing Maw mine is controlled by UWSA. The Maing Maw mine is an important mine in global tin production. Myanmar produces nearly 11 percent of the world's tin raw material production annually, and the Maing Maw mine produces most of this raw material. Of the 10 medium-importance mines, MNDAA controls 6, TNLA and KIA control 3 each, and the SAC controls one, according to the report released by ISP.