Rare Earth Mining Expansion in Laos Threatens Mekong River
New data reveals a surge in rare earth mines across river basins in Laos, posing a transboundary water pollution threat to Vietnam and the entire Mekong River system.
Research by the U.S.-based Stimson Center has identified 27 rare earth mines that have opened in Laos since 2022, with 23 of them appearing to be in protected areas.
According to the findings, Chinese demand for rare earth minerals has driven the industry's expansion into Laos, despite rare earth mineral extraction being currently illegal there.
Rare earth mineral extraction is currently illegal in Laos.
- 27 rare earth mines have opened across river basins in Laos since 2022.
- 23 of these mines are in protected areas.
- 7 new mines were identified via satellite imagery analysis as having opened this year.
Author's summary: Laos' rare earth mining expansion threatens Mekong River.
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