South China Morning Post (SCMP)

Rare Earth Mines Poison Mekong, Threatening Thai Fishing

Environment economy countries
Rare Earth Mines Poison Mekong, Threatening Thai Fishing
CHIANG SAEN, Thailand — Seventy-five-year-old fisherman Sukjai Yana untangled a handful of small fish from his net, disappointed by his catch and worried about selling them. Some days, he earns nothing. Demand for fish is falling because buyers fear contamination. Toxic runoff from rare earth mines upstream is poisoning the Mekong River and its tributaries. The pollution threatens millions of people who depend on these waters for farming and fishing. Chiang Saen, a fishing hub in northern Thailand, feels the impact directly.