New Rare Earth Mines in Shan State, Myanmar

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A Chinese-backed militia, the United Wa State Army (UWSA), is protecting new rare earth mines in eastern Myanmar's Shan state. These mines are operated by Chinese-speaking managers and are extracting rare earth metals and oxides such as terbium and dysprosium, which are critical for producing magnets used in wind turbines, medical devices, and electric vehicles. The mines have been identified through satellite imagery and are located between the towns of Mong Hsat and Mong Yun, near the Chinese border.