Rare earth mining operations in Myanmar are creating a largely unmonitored environmental health crisis as global demand for these critical minerals has intensified amid the renewable energy transition. The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia warns that Myanmar’s rare earth extraction is proceeding without adequate environmental oversight, potentially exposing local populations to severe health risks.
Global Rare Earth Production and Projected Demand Growth
Magnetic rare earth demand expected to triple by 2035, metric tonnes
in 2025
by 2035
in REE group
Source: The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia, 2026 | Georgian Medical Journal News
Myanmar’s Growing Role in Critical Mineral Supply
Myanmar has emerged as a significant source of rare earth elements, particularly heavy rare earths (HREEs) essential for high-performance magnets used in electric vehicle motors and wind turbines. According to The Lancet commentary, these 17 metals—including neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium—are indispensable components in permanent magnets for renewable energy infrastructure, consumer electronics, defense systems, and medical imaging equipment.
The global green energy transition has intensified competition for these minerals, with magnetic rare earth demand projected to triple by 2035. This surge in demand has driven extraction activities in Myanmar, where ongoing conflict has created regulatory gaps that may compromise environmental health oversight.
Health Risks Hidden by Regulatory Vacuum
The commentary raises concerns about potential health impacts from rare earth mining operations proceeding without adequate environmental monitoring. Rare earth extraction typically involves processing with acids and chemicals that can contaminate soil and water sources if not properly managed, according to research on mining-related health impacts.
Myanmar’s current political instability has created enforcement challenges for environmental regulations, potentially leaving communities near extraction sites vulnerable to exposure. The World Health Organization has previously documented health risks associated with improper mining waste management, including respiratory problems and contamination of drinking water supplies.
Global Supply Chain Implications
The situation highlights broader tensions between rapidly scaling renewable energy infrastructure and ensuring safe extraction practices for critical minerals. Major technology and automotive companies increasingly rely on rare earth supplies for electric vehicle production and renewable energy systems, creating pressure for expanded mining operations.
International health organizations have called for stronger environmental health standards in rare earth extraction, particularly in regions experiencing conflict-related displacement. The commentary suggests that current global supply chain oversight may be insufficient to protect vulnerable populations in extraction regions.
Need for International Health Monitoring
The authors emphasize that Myanmar’s rare earth mining expansion requires coordinated international attention to prevent a public health crisis. Without proper environmental health surveillance, local communities may face long-term exposure to mining-related pollutants while global industries benefit from increased rare earth availability.
This situation exemplifies broader challenges in balancing the urgent need for clean energy minerals with protecting the health of communities in extraction regions, particularly in conflict-affected areas where regulatory oversight is compromised.
Global rare earth production reached 390,000 metric tonnes in 2025, with demand for magnetic rare earths projected to triple by 2035, intensifying pressure on extraction sites like Myanmar.
— The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia commentary (2026)
Key takeaways
- Myanmar’s rare earth mining operations lack adequate environmental health oversight due to ongoing conflict
- Global demand for magnetic rare earths is projected to triple by 2035, driving expanded extraction
- Communities near mining sites may face exposure to contaminated soil and water without proper monitoring
Frequently asked questions
What are rare earth elements and why are they important?
Rare earth elements are 17 metals including neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium that are essential for permanent magnets in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and electronics. They are critical for the global transition to renewable energy infrastructure.
How does rare earth mining affect public health?
Mining operations can contaminate soil and water with acids and chemicals used in processing. Without proper environmental controls, nearby communities may face respiratory problems and exposure to polluted drinking water supplies.
Why is Myanmar’s situation particularly concerning?
Myanmar’s ongoing conflict has created regulatory gaps that may compromise environmental oversight of mining operations. This leaves local populations potentially vulnerable to mining-related health risks without adequate protection or monitoring.
The international community faces an urgent need to develop mechanisms for ensuring environmental health protection in conflict-affected regions where critical mineral extraction is expanding. As global demand for rare earths continues to surge, coordinated efforts will be essential to prevent Myanmar’s environmental health crisis from worsening and to establish precedents for safer extraction practices in vulnerable regions.
Source: Rare earth mining in Myanmar: an environmental health crisis hidden by conflict
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Medically reviewed by Prof. Giorgi Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD. Spotted an error? Contact the editorial team.
