abusesaffiliationarrow-downarrow-leftarrow-rightarrow-upattack-typeburgerchevron-downchevron-leftchevron-rightchevron-upClock iconclosedeletedevelopment-povertydiscriminationdollardownloademailenvironmentexternal-linkfacebookfiltergenderglobegroupshealthC4067174-3DD9-4B9E-AD64-284FDAAE6338@1xinformation-outlineinformationinstagraminvestment-trade-globalisationissueslabourlanguagesShapeCombined Shapeline, chart, up, arrow, graphLinkedInlocationmap-pinminusnewsorganisationotheroverviewpluspreviewArtboard 185profilerefreshIconnewssearchsecurityPathStock downStock steadyStock uptagticktooltiptwitteruniversalityweb

The content is also available in the following languages: 简体中文, 繁體中文

Story

5 Nov 2024

Laos: Contamination fears continue after Chinese-Lao rare earth mine leak, villagers report lack of project information; incl. co. non-responses

According to a Mekong Eye report, in February 2024, a chemical leak from Laos' largest rare earth mining site in Houaphanh province contaminated local water sources, affecting hundreds of families and raising ongoing health and environmental concerns. The 198-square-kilometer project is a joint venture between Chinese state-owned Southern Rare Earth International Trade Company's subsidiary Beijing Platinum World Technology Development (55%) and Lao state enterprise Phadang Hungheuang Huaphan Mining Sole Company (45%). Local villagers report they were not informed about the project's risks, and while the companies have committed to compensation and prevention measures, no detailed plans have been revealed.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Beijing Platinum World Technology Development, its parent company Southern Rare Earth International Trade Company, and the ultimate parent company China Rare Earths Group (REGCC) to respond to the concerns. They did not.

Company Responses

Beijing Platinum World Technology Development

No Response

Southern Rare Earth International Trade Company

No Response

China Rare Earths Group (REGCC)

No Response

Timeline

Privacy information

This site uses cookies and other web storage technologies. You can set your privacy choices below. Changes will take effect immediately.

For more information on our use of web storage, please refer to our Data Usage and Cookies Policy

Strictly necessary storage

ON
OFF

Necessary storage enables core site functionality. This site cannot function without it, so it can only be disabled by changing settings in your browser.

Analytics cookie

ON
OFF

When you access our website we use Google Analytics to collect information on your visit. Accepting this cookie will allow us to understand more details about your journey, and improve how we surface information. All analytics information is anonymous and we do not use it to identify you. Google provides a Google Analytics opt-out add on for all popular browsers.

Promotional cookies

ON
OFF

We share news and updates on business and human rights through third party platforms, including social media and search engines. These cookies help us to understand the performance of these promotions.

Your privacy choices for this site

This site uses cookies and other web storage technologies to enhance your experience beyond necessary core functionality.