Rare earth mining endangering health, livelihoods downstream of Mekong River

Researchers at a Thai university have warned that mining rare earths upstream of the Mekong River is contaminating water sources. The toxic runoff could impact food production in Thailand and lead to a food security crisis. The waterway already faces pressure from dams and climate change, so this new threat is adding to the strain on an already fragile ecosystem. The Mekong River system is a lifeline for 70 million people across Southeast Asia.