Rare earth minerals are essential in manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, smartphones, and military hardware. As the world’s leading producer, China has used rare earths as a bargaining chip in geopolitical negotiations with the United States. Zau Lawt noted that the chemicals used in rare earth mining are more toxic than mercury used in gold mining. Following Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) took control of several rare earth sites and temporarily halted operations. Zau Lawt also warned that pollution from heavy metals has now spread from the Kok and Sai Rivers into the Mekong, posing trans-boundary risks.