Laos can do more to mitigate chemical pollution of rivers flowing into Vietnam (analysis)

Laos can do more to mitigate chemical pollution of rivers flowing into Vietnam (analysis)

Southeast Asia’s growing demand for rare earth elements and gold, driven by global needs in electronics, renewable energy, defense and high-value commodities, has accelerated mining across the region. While Myanmar’s unregulated mines have drawn attention for contaminating Mekong River tributaries, monitored by the Mekong River Commission, an equally pressing but less scrutinized issue exists along the river systems shared by Laos and Vietnam, w…