- Critical mineral extraction sites in Kachin State, Myanmar, are impacting the global supply chain.
- Transboundary mining challenges are emerging as a consequence of critical mineral extraction in Kachin State, involving entities in Thailand.
Mining Tailings from Myanmar Reach Thailand Amid Civil Conflict
What happened
Mining tailings from Myanmar have been reported to be reaching Thailand through river systems. The conflict in Myanmar, which is entering its fifth year, has accelerated environmental destruction, including uncontrolled teak deforestation and the mining of rare earth metals by ethnic militias in the far north. The Tatmadaw controls the Bamar heartland, though it has lost nearly half the country to insurgent forces.
From resilience.org
Why it matters
The conflict in Myanmar has resulted in $93.9 billion in economic damages and has caused international funders to withdraw protection projects for peatlands. The transboundary pollution from mining tailings poses environmental and regulatory risks for Thailand, which is already facing challenges related to critical mineral extraction in the region.
Transboundary mining challenges are emerging as a consequence of critical mineral extraction in Kachin State, involving entities in Thailand, and these sites are impacting the global supply chain.
From resilience.org
Who's involved
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Tourism Authority of ThailandSpeculative
The Tourism Authority of Thailand might see its tourism appeal threatened by the environmental quality issues caused by toxic mining tailings.