Mine expansion opposed

The Nation 05 September 2012

A public forum hosted by the Independent Commission on Environment and Health (ICEH) yesterday found that most people disagree with the expansion of operations at the Akara Mining gold mine in Phichit's Thab Khlo district.

The forum at the Phichit Plaza Hotel, detailing the company’s plans to expand its annual production capacity from 2.3 million tonnes to 5 million, was attended by about 500 people, including gold-mine operators. 

The attendees were divided into three groups – the people, public agencies and organisations, and mining operators and industry representatives. Most people said they disagreed with the expansion out of fear of negative impact on the environment and people’s health and livelihoods, ICEH chairman Professor Piamsak Manasawet said.

The ICEH will gather information and visit the affected areas before reporting to the authorities, including the Federation of Thai Industries.

Akara Mining, which has operated since 2001, had initiated a Phase 2 expansion, leading to complaints with the Administrative Court in March. 

The court dismissed the people’s objections and let the firm continue operations. But now Akara has asked to double its production.

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