Irrawaddy-Dec 28
In Myanmar’s Kachin state, an environmental catastrophe unfolds in plain sight. Massive excavators tear into the earth, while chemical processors extract precious rare earth elements, leaving behind a wasteland of toxic pools and barren soil. This systematic destruction is not just another case of resource exploitation—it is China’s calculated strategy to dominate the global supply chain of critical minerals, using Myanmar’s political isolation as a shield for its rapacious activities. The scale of China’s rare earth extraction in Myanmar has reached unprecedented levels. Recent data from Chinese customs reveals a staggering 70-percent surge in imports during the first half of 2023, with shipments reaching 34,241 metric tons. This signals that Beijing’s aggressive stockpiling strategy extends far beyond its domestic requirements. The message is clear: China is hoarding resources to weaponize them against potential future sanctions. Myanmar’s transformation into China’s rare earth warehouse has been swift and devastating. The Kachin region, once known for its pristine forests and rich biodiversity, now resembles a lunar landscape pockmarked with mining pits and processing facilities. Operating through a complex web of local proxies and shadowy partnerships, Chinese companies have expanded their operations by over 40 percent across the region. This has made Myanmar China’s primary source of heavy rare earths, supplying approximately 40 percent of crucial elements like dysprosium, yttrium, and terbium. The environmental toll is catastrophic. Global Witness investigations reveal widespread destruction of ecosystems, with toxic chemicals from processing operations contaminating water sources and agricultural land. Local communities report severe health impacts, including skin diseases, respiratory problems, and internal organ damage. Yet these concerns fall on deaf ears as China’s mining operations are protected by Myanmar’s military junta, which depends on Chinese support for survival. Read more at:
