The local impacts of rare earth mining in Kachin State, Myanmar
2022-2024
Project Overview
Myanmar has become the world’s largest source of rare earths. These metallic elements are essential components in many technologies, from mobile phones to electric cars, wind turbines and defence systems, and are central to a range of sectors involved in a technology-led environmental transition to carbon-zero. However, the extraction of these materials is taking place in conflict-affected areas of Myanmar with very little regulation. This project explores how the mining sector operates in Kachin State, focusing on working conditions, and the social, environmental, and economic impacts of rare earth mining, as well as local responses to mining.
The research project has three key aims:
- To generate a new evidence base on how the rare earth mining sector operates in northern Myanmar and the impacts that it is having on local populations and environments.
- To engage with communities, civil society organisations and other local stakeholders so that research findings can inform responses to mining activities, especially efforts to mitigate the harms generated by current mining practices.
- To engage with policymakers and practitioners working in Myanmar about what is happening in rare earth mining areas of Kachin State to inform policy processes seeking to support responsible mining practices and to mitigate social and environmental harms in these areas.
The project is a partnership between the University of Warwick and Kachinland Research Centre (KRC).
Dataset
Research is based on more than 120 in-depth interviews with local mine workers, residents, customary leaders and local authorities in mining areas, civil society organisations working on social and environmental issues, and local researchers. The dataset also includes several life stories to better understand how the changes wrought by rare earth mining impact on the everyday lives of those living and working in mining areas.
Briefing Paper Series
The research findings are presented in a series of Briefing Papers, which are accessible below by clicking on the title:
Patrick Meehan & Dan Seng Lawn. (2024). Rare Earth Mining in Myanmar: A Primer. University of Warwick and Kachinland Research Centre. Briefing Paper 1.
Patrick Meehan & Dan Seng Lawn. (2024). The Rare Earth Mining Process in Myanmar: From Extraction to Export. University of Warwick and Kachinland Research Centre. Briefing Paper 2.
Patrick Meehan & Dan Seng Lawn. (2024). Rare Earth Mining in Kachin State, Myanmar: Labour Practices and Working Conditions. University of Warwick and Kachinland Research Centre. Briefing Paper 3.
Dan Seng Lawn & Patrick Meehan. (2024). The Impacts of Rare Earth Mining on Livelihoods and Local Communities in Kachin State, Myanmar. University of Warwick and Kachinland Research Centre. Briefing Paper 4.
Dan Seng Lawn, Patrick Meehan & Paul Mitchell. (2025). Addressing the Environmental Impacts of Rare Earth Mining in Kachin State, Myanmar. Briefing Paper 5.
Contact
Dr Patrick Meehan has now left the University of Warwick and has taken up a position at the University of Manchester. Please contact: patrick.meehan@manchester.ac.uk
