Militia linked to junta behind stepped-up activity near Chinese border in Kachin state published : 8 May 2021 at 16:43 3 A mining machine is seen at the Bayan Obo mine containing rare earth minerals, in Inner Mongolia in China. (Stringer via Reuters) Illegal mining of rare-earth minerals has surged in an area controlled by a junta-linked militia since the Feb 1 military coup in Myanmar, according to local reports. The mining is taking place in northern Kachin state on the border with China, The Irrawaddy news site reported, quoting local environmental groups. They say mining has increased by at least five times in Pangwa and Chipwi townships amid the political turmoil, with a rapid influx of Chinese workers.