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Tagaung Taung Nickel Mine
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The Tagaung Taung Nickel Mine, located in the Thabeikkyin Township of the Mandalay Region, is the largest nickel mining project in Myanmar. It is operated as a joint venture between China Nonferrous Metal Mining (CNMC) and the state-owned No. 1 Myanma Mining Enterprise. The facility includes not only the extraction of lateritic nickel ore but also a sophisticated on-site ferronickel smelting plant designed to process the raw ore into high-value export products. With a design capacity of approximately 85.000 metric tons of ferronickel per year, the project is a major source of foreign exchange and a significant local employer. Its development necessitated substantial infrastructure investment, including power supply from the national grid. Despite its industrial importance, the mine has been under scrutiny regarding its environmental impact on the nearby Ayeyarwady River and the security challenges in the surrounding region.
- Location: Myanmar (Burma)
- Top sights: လွတ်လပ်ရေးကျောက်တိုင် · Takaung Archaeological Museum · လေးမျက်နှာဘုရား
- Nearby: Meiktila (34 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 24 | 28 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 25 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 10 | 3 | 10 | 20 | 47 | 91 | 91 | 77 | 45 | 35 | 8 | 8 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Located in the Mandalay Region, the Tagaung Taung Nickel Mine is a major industrial endeavor dedicated to ferronickel extraction and smelting. It functions as a significant economic driver, producing raw materials that are primarily destined for large-scale international export.
Visiting
Unrestricted entry for tourists to the active mining zones and the processing plants is typically not permitted due to strict health and safety protocols. Visitors are usually confined to observing the massive earthworks and industrial traffic from authorized safe distances along main access routes.
Where to view it
The vast, altered topography of the mining site can sometimes be partially viewed from elevated positions on the public roads traversing the nearby hills. Clear days may offer distant glimpses of the large-scale excavation equipment and the associated smelting infrastructure.
Local products
While the mine exclusively produces industrial metals, local villages along the approach roads may offer basic provisions, local agricultural goods, and authentic Burmese street food. Authentic handicrafts typical of the Mandalay region can occasionally be found in the larger neighboring towns.
Active season
Operations at this major industrial site generally continue throughout the year to maintain steady production levels. The dry season is often the most practical time for travelers to navigate the regional roads, avoiding the heavy rains that can affect unpaved routes in the area.
Nearby
Observing this large-scale mining operation provides a stark modern contrast when driving through the traditional landscapes of central Myanmar. It is frequently seen as a brief point of interest for those traveling overland towards the historical and cultural centers of Mandalay.
Geography
Facts
- Myanmar's largest nickel mining operation
- Joint venture with China Nonferrous Metal Mining (CNMC)
- Produces ferronickel for international markets
- Located in Thabeikkyin Township, Mandalay Region
- Includes a large-scale on-site smelting plant
- Annual capacity of approximately 85,000 tons of ferronickel
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Tagaung Taung Nickel Mine (4)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Tagaung Taung nickel mine?
A significant facility for the extraction and processing of nickel ore.
Can the mine be visited?
No, it is an industrial facility with no public areas.
Why is nickel economically important?
It is an essential component for alloys and modern industry.
Are there attractions nearby?
Nearby there are historical places along the Irrawaddy River.
Is access difficult?
Yes, the region is remote and requires good travel planning.
Tagaung Taung Nickel Mine: where is it located?
Tagaung Taung Nickel Mine is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Tagaung Taung Nickel Mine: what is there to see?
Highlights include လွတ်လပ်ရေးကျောက်တိုင်, Takaung Archaeological Museum, လေးမျက်နှာဘုရား.
Tagaung Taung Nickel Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Tagaung Taung Nickel Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Tagaung Taung Nickel Mine, located in the Thabeikkyin Township of the Mandalay Region, is the largest nickel mining project in Myanmar.
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