CHINA: Mining and processing of Earth Elements in Inner Mongolia has caused toxic leaks into Yellow river

VOICED: They are metals that hold the key to a green future, economic prosperity -- and mass environmental destruction. The mining and processing of Earth Elements in northern China has caused years of toxic leeking into surrounding water sources. Now the second longest river in China -- the Yellow river -- is threatened too Located in inner Mongolia, in northern China, The city of Baotou processes the products of the surrounding rare earth mines, which are the largest in the world. But the pollution and toxic tailings of its industry reach much further. As Sky's China Correspondent Tom Cheshire reports. SHOWS: BAOTOU: Exterior shots of pollution smoke lume rising from a factory chimney / POV of factory through car window / POV of cars driving on road / PTC / POV of cars driving on road / Exterior shots of wind turbines on wind farm / Exterior shots of solar panals on Solar Power plant / Aerial views of toxic pond / Exterior shots of farmer working in flooded field / Voxpops - farmers at waterbed with contaminated water / Exterior shots of farmers being querstion by man following journalist / Voxpop - woman silenced by local officials / cars following journalists / Interview with man following Sky News team / PTC / Exterior shots of field near Rare Earth plant / Exterior shots of a factory spewing smoke / Interview with Professor Julie Klinger. Rare earths expert / Aerial views of Yellow River // on 17th April 2022 Baotou, China.