Satellite imagery and analysis reveal a sharp rise in rare-earth mining sites in northern Myanmar—estimated at 513 locations across tributaries of the Mekong River, Salween River and Irrawaddy River basins—up from previous estimates of just tens of sites.

 

 

 

Many of these mines sit upstream of Thailand’s northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, where rivers such as the Kok River and Sai River have already carried toxic runoff into Thai territory. The contamination—heavy metals and chemicals released during mining—has disrupted agriculture, fisheries and tourism in these provinces, causing estimated losses of around US $40 million. 

 

 

 

 

In Myanmar’s Kachin and Shan states, the boom in rare‐earth extraction has been driven by global demand and loosened regulation amid conflict, allowing mining to expand rapidly into ecologically sensitive zones.

 

Because many of these operations are unregulated, the pollution risks extend beyond Myanmar’s borders into Thailand and potentially Cambodia and Vietnam.

 

Researchers call for comprehensive water, sediment and soil testing in downstream countries, as heavy rainfall and seasonal flooding can flush stored toxic wastes into river systems. Thai grassroots communities and advocacy networks have petitioned the Thai government to halt mineral imports from Myanmar, establish local heavy‐metal testing, and secure alternative safe water sources for impacted communities. Without coordinated regional regulation and intervention, the ecological and human health threats posed by downstream rare‐earth mining are expected to escalate—impacting freshwater ecosystems and cross‐border communities across Southeast Asia.

For the original article, see: Mongabay – More Thai rivers and downstream communities at risk from Myanmar’s rare earth mines

 

 

From:

 

https://news.mongabay.com/2025/10/more-thai-rivers-and-downstream-communities-at-risk-from-myanmars-rare-earth-mines/

 

Thank you China.

24 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

Thank you China.

Can you imagine how filthy it is near the processing centers in China?

The Myanmar junta is, of course, using the money to kill insurgents...and line their own pockets.