Environmental Costs of Rare Earth Mining in Myanmar
Lahtaw Kai, an environmental activist in Myanmar, demonstrates the process of in-situ extraction technology used for mining rare earth elements. She pulls an imaginary mountain into the air with her hands, using her fingers to mimic the drilling of holes. At the top of the mountains, chemicals like ammonium nitrate are injected into the ground to extract the minerals. The solution then flows downslope, collecting rare elements that are collected in large ponds.
The Risk of In-Situ Extraction
The in-situ extraction process poses a significant risk to the environment and local villagers. The rare earth sludge dries out in wooden furnaces, causing areas near the mining sites to constantly smell bad. Workers are not provided with proper protection, such as gloves and masks, and often get sick. The companies operating the mines offer no protection, and workers are frequently fired and replaced.
Devastating Consequences
The toxic leak from the ponds is devastating the surroundings, and the rivers have turned red due to the chemicals used in the mining process. Seng Li, a human rights activist, has researched mining areas in northern Myanmar and reports that the mountains were once green before mining began. Now, they are ugly and polluted.
The Demand for Rare Earth Elements
Rare earth elements are in high demand for the production of various products, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, medical devices, and even weapons. The term "rare earth elements" refers to 17 chemically similar elements in the periodic table. These elements have unique properties that make them essential for industrial processes.
The Role of China
China has reduced domestic production of rare earth elements and increased its exploitation of in-situ mining in neighboring Myanmar. The country’s imports of rare earth elements from Myanmar have risen significantly, from 19,500 tons in 2021 to 41,700 tons in 2023. Chinese manufacturers of permanent magnets receive rare earths from Myanmar, which are then used to produce magnets for companies such as Volkswagen, Toyota, and Siemens Gamesa.
A Call to Responsible Mining
The people of Myanmar do not want the Chinese to continue mining, and Lahtaw Kai emphasizes that if the international community wants to continue buying these minerals, they should be obtained responsibly. The lucrative trade in rare earths, worth $1.4 billion in 2023, risks financing conflicts and destruction in a highly volatile region.
The Need for Public Supervision
Lahtaw Kai and Seng Li are calling for more public supervision and security at the mining operations. They believe that international organizations and governments should contact the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) directly to strengthen their governance and improve the conditions of the mines. The local population should share the benefits of the mining through systematic and regulated processes.
