16 Sep 2025
Myanmar: Expansion of Chinese-backed rare earth mining in Kachin state causes deforestation and community health harms, says report
Summary
Date Reported: 16 Sep 2025
Location: Myanmar
Projects
Unknown companies in Bhamo, Kachin State, Myanmar (Mine names unknown) - OperationOther
Not Reported ( Mining ) - InvestorAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Community: ( Number unknown - Myanmar , Mining , Gender not reported ) , Women: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Mining , Gender not reported ) , Ecosystem: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Mining , Gender not reported )Issues
Personal Health , Sexual harassment , Armed groups , Business-military collusion , Water pollution , Soil pollution , Clean, Healthy & Sustainable Environment , DeforestationResponse
Response sought: No
Source type: News outlet
Summary
Date Reported: 16 Sep 2025
Location: Myanmar
Projects
Unknown companies in Chipwi, Kachin State, Myanmar (Mine names unknown) - OperationOther
Not Reported ( Mining ) - InvestorAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Women: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Mining , Gender not reported ) , Community: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Mining , Gender not reported ) , Ecosystem: ( Number unknown - Location unknown - Sector unknown , Gender not reported )Issues
Water pollution , Armed groups , Business-military collusion , Soil pollution , Clean, Healthy & Sustainable Environment , Personal Health , Sexual harassment , DeforestationResponse
Response sought: No
Source type: News outlet
Summary
Date Reported: 16 Sep 2025
Location: Myanmar
Projects
Unknown companies in Momauk, Kachin State, Myanmar (Mine names unknown)Other
Not Reported ( Mining ) - InvestorAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Ecosystem: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Mining , Gender not reported ) , Community: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Mining , Gender not reported ) , Women: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Mining , Gender not reported )Issues
Water pollution , Soil pollution , Deforestation , Personal Health , Sexual harassment , Armed groups , Business-military collusion , Clean, Healthy & Sustainable EnvironmentResponse
Response sought: No
Source type: News outlet
Summary
Date Reported: 16 Sep 2025
Location: Myanmar
Projects
Unknown companies in Pang War, Kachin State, Myanmar (Mine names unknown) - OperationOther
Not Reported ( Mining ) - InvestorAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Ecosystem: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Mining , Gender not reported ) , Women: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Mining , Gender not reported ) , Community: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Mining , Gender not reported )Issues
Clean, Healthy & Sustainable Environment , Water pollution , Soil pollution , Deforestation , Personal Health , Sexual harassment , Armed groups , Business-military collusionResponse
Response sought: No
Source type: News outlet
Summary
Date Reported: 16 Sep 2025
Location: Myanmar
Projects
Unknown companies in Pang War, Kachin State, Myanmar (Mine names unknown) - OperationOther
Not Reported ( Mining ) - InvestorAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Workers: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Mining , Gender not reported )Issues
Occupational Health & SafetyResponse
Response sought: No
Source type: News outlet
Summary
Date Reported: 16 Sep 2025
Location: Myanmar
Projects
Unknown companies in Momauk, Kachin State, Myanmar (Mine names unknown) - OperationOther
Not Reported ( Mining ) - InvestorAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Workers: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Mining , Gender not reported )Issues
Occupational Health & SafetyResponse
Response sought: No
Source type: News outlet
Summary
Date Reported: 16 Sep 2025
Location: Myanmar
Projects
Unknown companies in Chipwi, Kachin State, Myanmar (Mine names unknown) - OperationOther
Not Reported ( Mining ) - InvestorAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Workers: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Mining , Gender not reported )Issues
Occupational Health & SafetyResponse
Response sought: No
Source type: News outlet
Summary
Date Reported: 16 Sep 2025
Location: Myanmar
Projects
Unknown companies in Bhamo, Kachin State, Myanmar (Mine names unknown)Other
Not Reported ( Mining ) - InvestorAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Workers: ( Number unknown - Location unknown , Mining , Gender not reported )Issues
Occupational Health & SafetyResponse
Response sought: No
Source type: News outlet
"Satellite data show burst of deforestation in Myanmar rare earth mining hotspots" Mongabay, 16 September 2025
Civil society sources in the region [...] say mining activities are also causing alarming impacts on human health, women, soil and rivers.
"[...] noticeable rise in deforestation since around 2018, with sharp increases particularly around mining zones due to road construction, land clearing for extraction activities, and widespread tree cutting for fuelwood or to dry the rare earth sludge," [...].
[...] sharp increase in natural hazards such as flooding and landslides may be linked to the rise in deforestation around Pang War, which lies within Chipwi township [...].
Researchby a Chinese customs official suggests China Southern Rare Earth Group imports and processes most of its raw materials from Myanmar. Key permanent magnet manufacturers like JL Mag source from China Southern and supply [...] Tesla, BYD, United Automotive Electronic Systems (UAES) and Nidec Corporation. Some companies contacted by Global Witness, including Nidec, publicly distancedthemselves from the Myanmar supply chain.
[...] the expansion of the mining sites has reportedly caused injuries and deaths.
[...] chemicals are also fueling farmland pollution and water contamination. [...]
“In addition to the water pollution and associated health risks, mining workers present a range of health problems such as coughing, numbness, skin conditions, and kidney issues,” [...].
[...] Local female workers often face mistreatment and sexual abuse, on top of health issues. [...] there have also been cases where women working at mining sites have experienced miscarriages after returning home.