The intense race for rare earth minerals in eastern Myanmar's mountains is leading to significant water pollution, impacting millions downstream. Concerns are rising following reports of a new tungsten mine commencing operations near the Thai border.

A race to dig rare earths and metals in the mineral-rich mountains of eastern Myanmar is polluting waterways that millions of people living downstream depend on after a new tungsten mine reportedly began operations near the Thai border, according to environmental groups. Myanmar is among the top three producing nations of rare earths and other critical minerals used to make magnets and other components that power products ranging from smartphones to electric vehicles, with most of its output...