Trade agreement with Thailand: opportunities and risks of rare earths!

Trade agreement with Thailand: opportunities and risks of rare earths!

The US recently signed a major rare earths trade agreement with Thailand and three other ASEAN countries. This development is a topic of conversation because, although rare earths are not common in the earth's crust, their extractable amount is small and mining is anything but easy Thai PBS reported. Current technologies such as electric cars and smartphones rely on these special materials, which comprise a total of 17 chemical elements, including neodymium, dysprosium and terbium.

The process of mining often occurs via traditional methods such as open pit and underground mining. The ores are crushed and enriched. However, this mining has its downsides: dangerous waste, such as thorium and uranium, that arise from mining can cause serious environmental damage. From water pollution to soil erosion, the impacts are anything but insignificant Thai PBS.

Environmental risks and illegal practices

A particularly worrying aspect is illegal mining, particularly in Myanmar. While China closed its own mines, illegal activities increased significantly. Reports show that these unregulated mines endanger not only the environment, but also drinking water resources and local wildlife. Landslides have emerged as another example of the risks of mining, as has also been documented in China and Myanmar. Thai authorities therefore have a duty to develop environmentally friendly mining practices and ensure transparent public involvement in decision-making processes to protect local communities. The standardized mining process should also include waste treatment and safety measures to minimize environmental damage.

So although rare earths seem like a raw material with potential, they are also a double-edged sword. An example of the problem can be found in southern Greenland, where significant deposits of these raw materials are located, including at Kvanefjeld. The Australian company Energy Transition Minerals has discovered large deposits there, but they are controversial because they also contain rock containing uranium. The local population fears health and environmental consequences from radioactive substances, which further fuels the debate about the environment and sustainability ZDF Today reported.

A challenge for Thailand

Given the global demand for rare earths, it is clear that the path to the sustainable extraction and use of these raw materials is still a long one. Thailand could become an important piece of the puzzle in the international competition for these resources, but urgent care must be taken to ensure that the environment is not left behind. The responsibility of public authorities to develop environmentally friendly practices and actively involve the public in decision-making processes can help find the balance between economic benefits and environmental sustainability.

Developments over the next few years will show whether Thailand has a good knack for mining these valuable raw materials without endangering its own environment. Therefore, the focus must be on protecting nature in order to see future generations not just as suppliers of raw materials, but as active contributors to a sustainable future.