China dominates the global production of rare earth metals, controlling a critical segment of international trade. However, the environmental toll of this dominance has been significant, with toxic waste from rare earth processing dumped into an artificial lake in northern China and mining operations in south-central China leading to severe ecological damage.
In Baotou, a major industrial city in Inner Mongolia, the consequences of poorly regulated rare earth production are evident. An artificial lake, known as the Weikuang Dam, contains waste from metal extraction, resulting in contaminated dust during dry seasons and hazardous runoff during the rainy season, which threatens local groundwater.
The Weikuang Dam, constructed in the 1950s, lacks modern waterproofing standards, complicating cleanup efforts. Despite some government initiatives to address health and safety risks in the rare earth industry, experts warn that significant environmental damage persists, particularly near the tailings lake.
Research from local universities highlights the correlation between proximity to the tailings lake and increased pollution risks. Concerns have also been raised regarding radioactive thorium contamination from nearby mining operations, with reports indicating health issues among children in Baotou linked to environmental pollution.
The Bayan Obo strip mine, a major source of light and medium rare earths, has faced scrutiny as China has restricted exports of certain rare earths amid trade tensions with the United States and the European Union. Illegal mining operations in the past have further exacerbated environmental issues, leading to significant government investment in cleanup efforts.
While some progress has been made in environmental management and pollution control, challenges remain. The Inner Mongolia government has initiated measures for waste treatment, but the handling of radioactive materials remains unclear. Comparisons have been drawn to European efforts to manage similar pollution, highlighting the complexity of addressing the extensive sludge in the Weikuang Dam.
Efforts to suppress discussions about pollution in the rare earth industry have been noted, with reports of livestock poisoning near Baotou being largely absent from current media. Oversight of the industry is complicated by the provincial government's dual role as both regulator and owner of major mining operations.
During recent visits to Baotou and Longnan, some signs of environmental improvement were observed, such as the implementation of liners in tailings ponds. However, ongoing pollution challenges, including visibly contaminated waterways, underscore the need for continued vigilance and regulatory reform in the rare earth sector.