On June 7, 2026, Singapore media Lianhe Zaobao reported that Russia's state-owned capital is preparing for its first tungsten mining in Myanmar, deepening concerns about competition with China and environmental pollution.

The article introduced that Russia's state-owned capital has received approval from the Myanmar military junta and is preparing for the mining of the state's first tungsten mine in an area near the Thai border in Shan State. According to reports from Myanmar media, the mine is located in Mongton, approximately 20 kilometers from the Thai border.

The article explained that while mining in Shan State has until now been led by Chinese companies and the United Wa State Army (UWSA), an armed organization of ethnic minorities, the Myanmar military allowed Russia to enter as a balancing measure to avoid excessive reliance on China. It also introduced that Sai Mong, editor-in-chief of Shan News Agency, commented, "The United Wa State Army must be very disappointed with the Myanmar military for allowing Russian companies to enter their controlled areas."

Additionally, citing a report by the U.S. Stimson Center, it pointed out that while a total of 75 new mines will be established in Myanmar and Laos between 2015 and 2025, the 'in-situ leaching method,' which injects chemical substances, generates toxic wastewater, causing serious transboundary pollution from heavy metals. It also mentioned that environmental protection organizations accused that pollution near the source of the Salween River has drastically increased in the past two years, eventually flowing into Thai tributaries of the Mekong River and threatening the drinking water and ecological safety of millions of people downstream.

The article introduced that the representative of the Thai environmental organization 'Rivers and Rights' is strongly urging the Chinese government to confirm the origin of imported minerals, even though regulation is difficult due to the complexity of the vested interest network. In response to this, the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok issued a statement and emphasized that any Chinese state-owned enterprises harming the environment for economic gain would be severely punished. (Edited and translated by Kawashiri)