The Hongsa project is a coal plant and mining project in Xayaboury Province, Laos, that includes a lignite coal mine, an 1878MW coal-fired power plant, a limestone quarry and two dams. The coal-fired power plant is the first in Laos and the lignite mine is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Independent scientific experts say the project puts local communities at risk to develop cancer, respiratory problems, birth defects and other ailments from contamination and air pollution. ERI is working with Chiang Mai University and a network of Thai organizations called Thai Extraterritorial Obligation Watch to monitor the Hongsa project and other large Thai investments in the region.