A Myanmar junta flotilla unloading coal at a Chinese-backed nickel plant in central Myanmar is preparing to transport refined metals to China, signaling efforts to resume exports after recapturing the site earlier this year.
Twenty-seven vessels from a 33-ship convoy out of Mandalay remain docked at the Tagaung plant in Thabeikkyin Township, delivering coal for nickel smelting and a local sugar factory, sources said.
According to sources familiar with the operations, the ships are now preparing to load refined ferronickel and copper for export along river transport routes toward the Chinese border.
Six other vessels from the same convoy that advanced further north toward Bhamo in Kachin State were ambushed by anti-junta resistance forces near Tigyaing Township, with several vessels reportedly set on fire. Meanwhile, ships from an earlier military supply convoy have begun traveling downstream back toward central Myanmar.
The Tagaung plant—a major joint investment involving Chinese state-backed firms including China Nonferrous Metal Mining (CNMC)—operates as one of Myanmar's key mineral extraction projects.
Resistance forces seized the plant in 2024 before a junta offensive retook Tagaung in March 2026.
Resistance analysts believe the latest naval supply run delivered essential equipment, fuel, and personnel needed to restart full-scale operations and clear a years-long export backlog to China.
Before the 2021 military coup disrupted supply chains, the Tagaung plant shipped approximately 200 tons of ferronickel daily along the Ayeyarwady River.
Photo: (Myanmar CNICO)
