Rare Earth - from a Chinese villager’s point of view

A few points from Xinhua's story: Rare Earth, a blessing and curse for Chinese villagers

Huangsha village, Jiangxi,

Curse: 1) Trees on hills were toppled and topsoil removed, toxic chemicals pumped into drilled holes to refine the metals; 2) Water turned bluish-green, with yellow mine tallings piled on its banks. The river used to be the source of irrigation and habitat for fish and shrimp. Not any more. 3) Output of agriculture was low, and the area near the river harvest nothing.

Blessing: Pillar industry for the local government, contributing 40 percent of its fiscal revenues. The villager earn 50 yuan a day from the mines when he is less busy with farming.