2026-08-25 10:07 UTC
"The Kok River originates in Myanmar’s Shan State, flows through Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces, and eventually joins the Mekong River. For communities living along its banks, the river provides drinking water, irrigation, fisheries, transportation, and cultural identity. Today, however, many residents fear that these lifelines are under threat from heavy metal contamination linked to mining operations upstream in Myanmar."
https://globalvoices.org/2026/08/24/poisoned-waters-indigenous-communities-fight-to-protect-thailands-kok-river/
Replies (1)
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@gerrymcgovern@mastodon.green 2026-08-25 10:09
"Concerns over the Kok River have intensified following reports of elevated concentrations of heavy metals, including arsenic, in rivers flowing from Myanmar into northern Thailand. Environmental groups and local communities have linked the contamination to expanding rare earth and mineral mining operations in Myanmar, reportedly financed by Chinese investors." https://globalvoices.org/2026/08/24/poisoned-waters-indigenous-communities-fight-to-protect-thailands-kok-river/ But we need those rare earths for our smartphones and for our green and clean energy.