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Rare earth elements are needed to create high-tech products like smartphones and electric cars. China has come to dominate global rare earth production by investing in mining and processing without enforcing adequate environmental safeguards. latimes.com/world-nation/s…
The results are jarring: in mineral-intense regions of China, poisoned water and soil have caused abnormal disease rates in so-called "cancer villages" from which impoverished residents cannot afford to move. Below, a rare earth mine in Baiyunebo. 
Beijing has said it is cracking down on illegal mining. But in some areas, villagers protest that the state-owned companies are as bad as illegal activities, if not worse, because they can poison the ground and air with the support of local authorities. latimes.com/world-nation/s…
