Bayan Obo Mine — From Economic Powerhouse to Public Health Crisis and Community Vulnerability

The Bayan Obo rare earth mine in Inner Mongolia, China, produces up to half of the world’s rare earth supply. But behind its economic significance lies a severe environmental toll—including radioactive tailing lakes, water and soil contamination linked to serious diseases, and landslides caused by improper mining practices.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government has tight control over environmental data and actively suppresses media reports attempting to expose the truth.

In the midst of this, local farmers like Huang Xiaochong admit that the problem is too vast to solve alone, urging higher-level authorities to intervene in order to protect communities that have long been vulnerable and disadvantaged.

Source: Instagram