SAC Prepares to Reopen Steel Factory in Southern Shan State
By Network Media Group
Sunday, November 5, 2023
Taunggyi locals fear the resumption of operations at a large steel factory in Namsee village-tract after the mill underwent tests in June. More recently, State Administration Council Chair (SAC) Min Aung Hlaing discussed it with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his visit to Naypyidaw in August.
Khun Oo, head of the Pa-O Youth Organization (PYO), commented, “Multiple meetings occurred at the Pinpet steel factory.” These included discussions with locals in an attempt to secure their consent.
Several new buildings were constructed on the compound, and some were repaired. Of the total 22 buildings on-site, 19 were assessed in the spring, and there is suspicion that the remaining 3 could soon become operational.
The steel factory has been inactive for six years, but after the 2021 coup, Min Aung Hlaing visited the site.
Khun Oo expressed farmers’ concerns about the potential loss of their land, similar to what happened in the past. They are also worried about the steel production polluting the Thabet River, which is essential for 35,000 individuals who rely on it for their farms and animals.
“We are farmers, and our livelihoods depend on our farms,” said a man whose land was previously confiscated for the Pinpet project.
Locals stated they do not benefit from it and demand the plant’s closure.
According to PYO, the SAC intends to reopen the plant to generate income and produce steel products for weaponry.
The Russia leader has reportedly pressed for the plant’s reopening at the meeting and discussed providing technical assistance for the establishment of a nuclear power facility.
SAC’s Myanmar Economic Cooperation and Russian’s Tyazhpromexport have invested 137.5 million euros to build the factory.
The previous military regime seized over 11,000 acres of land and displaced over 50 people to construct the factory in southern Shan State, according to the PYO. It commenced operations in 2006 but was suspended by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in 2017, two years after her party, the National League for Democracy, won the election.
