Myanmar mines blamed for poisoning Thai rivers and farmland

· Climate · Myanmar · Thailand

A Mongabay investigation found that chemicals linked to mining in Myanmar are being carried into Thailand by at least six transboundary rivers, poisoning large areas of Thai farmland. More than 50 companies in Thailand were found importing minerals from Myanmar's polluting mines.

Why it matters：Transboundary mining pollution shows how resource extraction in one country can impose environmental and health costs on its neighbours, pressuring governments and importers to tighten supply-chain scrutiny of minerals.

Key points

  • Chemicals including antimony, copper, lead and manganese are cited in the pollution.
  • Heavy metals are carried into Thailand by at least six rivers.
  • Thai companies importing minerals from Myanmar's mines number more than 50.

Sources (original reporting)

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