Myanmar: Potential China-backed resumption of rare earth mining in Kachin’s special region raises concern over pollution, health risks
"KIA set to fully resume rare earth mining in captured ‘special region’", Myanmar Now, 16 October 2025
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is preparing to resume full-scale mining of rare earth deposits in a key region formerly controlled by a pro-regime militia, according to sources.
[...] production has been curtailed by China’s closure of its border with the region, as it seeks to pressure the KIA to end its ongoing conflict with Myanmar’s military junta.
The closure led to shortages of ammonium sulfate and other chemicals used in rare earth extraction, bringing mining operations almost to a standstill.
In recent months, however, China has loosened its restrictions, [...].
“Both raw materials for rare earth mining and equipment for gold mining are being brought in from China. [...]” a resident [...] in Kachin State said.
[...] questions about how the KIA will manage pollution from the mines [...]. Wastewater from the extraction process can easily enter the water supply, presenting a serious health hazard to local residents and their livestock.