Researchers expose over 20 sites of illegal operations: 'It only destroys'

Researchers expose over 20 sites of illegal operations: 'It only destroys'

Although rare earth mining is illegal in Laos, rare earth mines have still emerged in recent years, threatening the Mekong River system. What's happening? Weak oversight and limited civic space have enabled the opening of at least 27 rare earth mines across river basins in the area since 2022, according to Mongabay. Despite being illegal, foreign investors, particularly those from China, have managed to find loopholes by establishing relationshi…