PUBLISHED: 18 Jun 2024 at 04: 42
According to the Department of Mineral Resources ( DMR), Thailand has over 30 trillion tonnes of more than 40 mineral types, with an estimated value of 44,410 trillion baht.
These , materials could be a treasure trove for the country’s natural fabric protection in years to come, it said.
During a press conference next year, the district’s chairman- standard, Phichit Sombatmak, said the National Committee on Mineral Resources has announced a list of mining regions with great potential for development.
On 19 % of the region’s total place, or 60 million ray, had great potential for nutrient resource exploitation, with an original value of around 44, 410 trillion baht.
They include natural materials used in different industries, such as marble for building, minerals, including potash and perlite, for agriculture, and ecological- friendly minerals, such as lithium and quartz, for storing energy.
The Northeast is the region’s largest source of potassium, Mr Phichit said. The 10 highest- possible sodium locations are in Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Sakul Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom and Ubon Ratchathani regions.
He added that according to the DMR, sodium is estimated to be worth 10 billion kilograms, or 161 trillion baht.
Mr. Phichit argued that potassium is a critical component of fertiliser and that it is essential for economic growth, particularly in the agricultural field.
Thailand would benefit from significantly lower fertilizer prices, he said, if it encouraged the development of fertiliser plants, which may help farmers save money.
Potash’s outcome of rock salt, however, could be used as a part in potassium- ion chargers, which cost less than potassium batteries for electric vehicles.
Three sites have received mining concessions for sodium, but they have yet to begin operations because of fierce opposition from neighborhood residents who are concerned about the negative effects.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s assistant continuous minister, Talerngsak Petchsuwan, said the state has instructed companies to adopt measures to reduce environmental impacts.
Meanwhile, a regional opposition group intends to sue the cabinet for backing a potash mining plan.
The group contends that potash mining’s contaminated water will pollute nearby soil and water resources.