Myanmar and Thailand: Unregulated rare-earth mining in Myanmar causes cross-border pollution and environmental harms in northern Thailand
"Chinese Rare Earth Mines in Myanmar Cause Widespread Border Pollution", 19 September 2025
Illegal rare earth mines in Myanmar’s Shan and Kachin states, near the sources of the Kok and Mekong rivers, are causing widespread cross-border pollution. Toxic metals and dangerous chemicals from these operations have contaminated water and soil, putting farming areas and communities in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai at risk.
The illegal rare earth mining operations near the Kok and Mekong headwaters are spreading pollution far beyond Myanmar. Toxic substances from these mines escape into rivers and land, damaging farmlands and villages in northern Thailand.
The mining process is highly dangerous, with Chinese companies and armed groups playing major roles. These sites often lack oversight or any plans for rehabilitation, leaving permanent scars on the environment…
Unchecked Mining Along the Kok and Mekong
Piarnporn Dethaisong from International Rivers raised concerns about unchecked illegal mining in Myanmar’s Shan and Kachin states. These mines have caused major pollution problems along rivers that flow into Thailand.
More than 100,000 rai of farmland in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are already affected.
Authorities have found unsafe levels of arsenic and lead in local water and soil. Without action, this contamination will continue to spread from its source, making matters worse in the long term.
Recent satellite images show over 60 mining sites in northern Shan state alone. Some large-scale operations have appeared within the last two years, causing damage across the border in a short time.
In Kachin, there are now over 300 such mines. NASA images show hills riddled with holes from these activities. Workers inject strong chemicals through pipes directly into the earth to dissolve minerals, which they then collect in bright blue ponds. Ore is burned and packed for export to China…
Pollution Creeping Closer to Thailand
Besides the Kok and Sai rivers, illegal mining is now spreading to areas near the Salween River, close to Chiang Mai. Reports tell of truck convoys carrying machinery and chemicals, guarded by armed groups, entering towns like Mong Ton opposite Thailand’s Chiang Dao and Wiang Haeng districts…