Unveiled Through Satellite Imagery: Increase in Rare Earth Excavation in Myanmar's Rebel Territories
Contamination of Northern Thailand's Rivers from Rare Earth Mining in Myanmar
Recent evidence suggests that the spread of rare earth mines in Myanmar is causing significant environmental damage, with toxic chemicals contaminating rivers in northern Thailand. This pollution has resulted in widespread ecological harm and poses a serious health threat to local communities.
The pollution of rivers such as the Kok and Sai, tributaries of the Mekong River, has been linked to unregulated and illegal rare earth mining operations in southern Shan State, Myanmar. Elevated levels of arsenic and mercury have been detected, surpassing World Health Organization safety limits and linked to health risks such as cancer and neurological damage.
The ecological damage from this pollution is evident in the decline of fish populations, disrupting biodiversity and local fisheries, which are crucial for the livelihoods of over 1.2 million people downstream in Thailand.
Deforestation and habitat destruction are also consequences of the mining operations, as forests are cleared to make way for mining activities. This exacerbates soil erosion and sediment run-off into waterways, further degrading water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
Many of the mines in Shan State operate without oversight, often controlled by armed groups like the United Wa State Army, making environmental monitoring and enforcement virtually impossible. This unregulated activity increases the risk of chemical spills and uncontrolled contamination.
The pollution caused by mining in Myanmar has sparked public protests in Thailand, with communities demanding joint international efforts involving Myanmar’s various factions, Thailand, and China to monitor and reduce water pollution.
Satellite images show the development of two new rare earth mine sites inside the UWSA’s enclave on the Thai border over the past one to two years. The worry is that Shan state and neighboring countries will suffer the same fate as Kachin, especially if the mine sites continue to multiply as global demand for rare earth minerals grows.
References:
[1] EarthRights International. (2021). Mekong River Basin Faces Serious Threats from Unregulated Rare Earth Mining in Myanmar. https://www.earthrights.org/news/mekong-river-basin-faces-serious-threats-from-unregulated-rare-earth-mining-in-myanmar/
[2] Global Witness. (2021). Devastating Fallout from Kachin’s Mining Boom. https://www.globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/mining/devastating-fallout-kachins-mining-boom/
[3] The Irrawaddy. (2021). Thai Activists Protest against Myanmar’s Rare Earth Mining Pollution. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/thai-activists-protest-against-myanmars-rare-earth-mining-pollution.html
[4] Shan Human Rights Foundation. (2021). Shan State’s Rare Earth Mines: A Threat to the Mekong River Basin. https://www.shanhumanrights.org/2021/06/shan-states-rare-earth-mines-a-threat-to-the-mekong-river-basin/
- The politics of rare earth mining in Myanmar, particularly in Shan State, have far-reaching effects on the environment and health of neighboring countries like Thailand.
- The recent rise in warfare in the region, with armed groups controlling these mines, makes effective environmental regulations and control exceedingly difficult.
- The contamination of northern Thailand's rivers from rare earth mining in Myanmar is symptomatic of a larger environmental-science issue that demands urgent attention and action.
- Breaking news reports suggest that the expansion of these unregulated industries is causing concerns about future pollution and harm to human rights and health in the region.
- Businesses and industries must take responsibility for their impacts on the environment, including minimizing their carbon footprint and implementing sustainable practices to mitigate climate-change.
- Education and self-development initiatives, focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, are crucial to equip future generations with the knowledge and skills required to tackle these complex environmental challenges.
- The finance sector plays a significant role in green energy initiatives, with contributions to renewable energy projects and investments in eco-friendly industries essential for a more sustainable future.
- As rising global demand for these rare earth minerals impacts the environment, it becomes crucial to prioritize human rights, environmental protection, and sustainable development in the realm of business and industry.
