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Letpadaung Copper Mine

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Letpadaung Copper Mine (Myanmar (Burma))

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The Letpadaung Copper Mine is a massive open-pit mining operation located in the Salingyi Township of the Sagaing Region, representing one of Myanmar's most significant mineral investments. Part of the Monywa Copper Project, it is operated as a joint venture between the Chinese firm Wanbao Mining and Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited. The facility employs modern hydrometallurgical leaching processes to produce high-grade copper cathodes, with a design capacity of approximately 100,000 metric tons per year. Since large-scale development began around 2012, the mine has been a focal point for intense social and environmental controversies, particularly regarding land acquisition and the impact of sulfuric acid production. Despite these challenges, it remains a cornerstone of Myanmar's heavy industry and a key example of the country's economic integration with China. The mine provides substantial export revenue but continues to face scrutiny from international human rights organizations regarding its operational practices.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222529333332313131302723
Rain mm72101638413737373896

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
This massive open-pit copper extraction site near Monywa is one of Southeast Asia's largest industrial operations, heavily impacting both the regional economy and local communities.
🚪
Visiting
As an active and highly controversial industrial facility, direct access to the mining operations is strictly prohibited for the general public and tourists.
👀
Where to view it
Visitors traveling through the Monywa region might catch distant glimpses of the drastically altered landscape and massive earthworks from nearby public roads, though clear vantage points are limited.
🧺
Local products
While the mine itself produces raw copper, the surrounding towns often feature bustling local markets where agricultural produce and everyday goods from the Sagaing Region are widely traded.
📆
Active season
Industrial extraction typically proceeds continuously throughout the year, but the dry season between November and April is generally the most practical time for traveling on the region's rural roads.
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Nearby
A trip to this area is usually combined with exploring the famous cultural sights of Monywa, such as the impressive Thanboddhay Pagoda and the towering Bodhi Tataung standing Buddha statues.

Geography

Coordinates
22.08330, 95.06670

Facts

  • Located in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region
  • Operated by Wanbao Mining of China
  • Part of the larger Monywa Copper Project
  • Annual production capacity of 100,000 tons
  • Current phase construction started in 2012
  • Uses solvent extraction (SX-EW) technology

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Letpadaung Copper Mine (5)

Pho Win Taung📍 landmark

A spectacular Buddhist cave complex featuring hundreds of sandstone chambers filled with ancient murals and statues.

Pho Win Taun Ancient Buddhist Cave Complex🏺 historical

This ancient site comprises over 900 rock-cut caves adorned with intricate 14th-century Buddhist art and sculptures.

မြို့ရာပြည့်စေတီတော်📍 landmark

A gilded Buddhist stupa serving as a spiritual center for the community in the Letpadaung industrial area.

Pagoda⛪ religious

A serene place of worship featuring a traditional Burmese spire amidst the landscape of the Sagaing region.

Phon Pwint Kan Thar Pagoda📍 landmark

A prominent Buddhist pagoda in the Letpadaung region, characterized by its golden dome and peaceful atmosphere.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Letpadaung copper mine?
It is one of the largest copper mining projects in the region.
Is the mine open to visitors?
No, access to the mine site is strictly restricted for safety reasons.
What is the mine known for?
The mine is known for its extensive copper deposits and industrial importance.
Are there guided tours to the mine?
No, tourist guided tours are not offered.
What is the best time to visit the region?
The drier season is generally more suitable for travel to this area.
Letpadaung Copper Mine: where is it located?
Letpadaung Copper Mine is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Letpadaung Copper Mine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pho Win Taung, Pho Win Taun Ancient Buddhist Cave Complex, မြို့ရာပြည့်စေတီတော်.
Letpadaung Copper Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Letpadaung Copper Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Letpadaung Copper Mine is a massive open-pit mining operation located in the Salingyi Township of the Sagaing Region, representing one of Myanmar's most significant mineral investments.
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Nearby cities

Monywa — Letpadaung Copper Mine (Myanmar (Burma))
Monywa
A major commercial city on the Chindwin River, known for its giant Buddha statues.
Sagaing — Letpadaung Copper Mine (Myanmar (Burma))
Sagaing
The capital of the Sagaing Region, famous for its many Buddhist monasteries on the hills.

History & landmarks

Thanboddhay Pagoda — Letpadaung Copper Mine (Myanmar (Burma))
Thanboddhay Pagoda
A colorful, unconventional temple complex in Monywa decorated with over half a million small Buddha images.

Nature

Chindwin River — Letpadaung Copper Mine (Myanmar (Burma))
Chindwin River
The largest tributary of the Irrawaddy, flowing through picturesque valleys and dense jungles in the west.

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Mount Saramati — Letpadaung Copper Mine (Myanmar (Burma))
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Chindwin Valley — Letpadaung Copper Mine (Myanmar (Burma))
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Mingin Taungdan — Letpadaung Copper Mine (Myanmar (Burma))
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