Stories from Mekong River Basin · Myanmar

Toxic runoff from rare earth mining operations in Myanmar is contaminating rivers flowing into Thailand. The pollution threatens fisheries and farmland within the Mekong River basin. Mining for rare earth minerals used in electronic products is causing environmental issues in Southeast Asia. Toxic wastewater is entering tributaries of the Mekong River, primarily in Myanmar and Laos. This pollution threatens populations reliant on the river for fishing, rice, and food exports. The mining activities are reportedly occurring without environmental oversight.