Rare earth mining is expanding at an alarming pace in Myanmar, particularly in Shan State, where operations are largely controlled by local militias. Recently, 19 new mines have been discovered, just 40 kilometers from the Mekong River. Back in 2021, there were only a handful of mines—most of them abandoned. Since the coup, however, Myanmar’s rare earth exports have surged more than fivefold, generating huge profits for China and powerful local groups.
Cross-Border Environmental and Health Risks
While Myanmar and its partners reap economic benefits, Thailand is left facing the environmental fallout. Rare earth extraction relies on toxic chemicals, raising the risk of contamination in the Mekong River and surrounding ecosystems. This threatens not only local biodiversity but also the health of border communities, who could suffer from long-term exposure to pollution.
A Growing Burden for Thailand
Thailand gains no direct benefit from these mines but faces mounting environmental and health risks, from polluted water sources to degraded ecosystems. As mining continues to expand unchecked, Thailand may be forced to confront the costs of a problem it did not create.
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