Rare earth mining in Myanmar and Laos contaminates Mekong River with toxic metals

Illegal rare earth mining operations in Myanmar and Laos are releasing poisonous metals into the Mekong River, Southeast Asia's longest waterway and a critical resource for millions of people across the region. The contamination threatens both the river's ecosystem and the food security of communities dependent on its waters for agriculture and fishing. Scientists warn the consequences could be severe, though the full extent of health and environmental damage remains under investigation. The Mekong's degradation reflects broader resource extraction conflicts across Southeast Asia.