Chinese Rare-Earth Mining Endangers the Mekong River's Integrity
The Mekong River, Southeast Asia's longest and one of the world's great clean rivers, is under threat due to unregulated rare-earth mining in Myanmar. This alarming development has raised concerns among environmentalists and analysts alike.
According to Brian Eyler, director of the Stimson Center's Southeast Asia Program, it is 'extremely likely' that toxic metals and chemicals are already detectable in Cambodia, downstream from the mining sites in Myanmar.
Myanmar has become the world's largest source of heavy rare-earth elements, essential for manufacturing high-tech products like wind turbines, electric vehicles, and medical devices. The global race for these critical materials has intensified, fueling geopolitical struggle for control.
Many analysts agree that ultimate responsibility lies with Beijing, which controls about 60% of global rare-earth production and nearly 90% of refining. China, the world's largest user of rare-earth minerals, has moved many of its mining operations to Myanmar's Kachin and Shan states due to environmental regulations at home.
However, Beijing can claim that it has no influence over rare-earth mining in Myanmar because oversight of environmental damage falls within Myanmar's sovereignty. The mining activities in the autonomous regions of Myanmar are largely operated by armed ethnic groups, including the United Wa State Army (UWSA), often in cooperation with Chinese investors and companies.
Prolonged exposure to arsenic and other metals, which have been detected at dangerous levels in the Kok River, a Mekong tributary, can cause cancer, neurological disorders, and organ failure. Environmentalists fear a regional 'earth day' disaster on the Mekong River due to the unregulated mining.
In a recent statement, Pianporn Deetes, the Thailand director of the International Rivers network, called on China to act in an accountable and transparent way if it is serious about leading on 'ecological civilization'. A tougher response from Beijing to regulate rare-earth mining in Myanmar could go against its self-interest in the 'google earth' race for rare earths and against its typical foreign policy in Southeast Asia.
It is unknown whether the pollution has remained concentrated in northern Thailand or whether it has already leached into the Mekong, potentially affecting downstream nations like Cambodia. About 60% of Cambodia's protein intake comes from wild-caught fish from the Mekong River.
The Mekong River provides a lifeline for millions. If the pollution continues unchecked, it could have devastating consequences for the people and wildlife that rely on the 'earth'. It is crucial that all parties involved take immediate action to ensure the protection of this vital resource.
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