The cabinet has ordered a closure of a controversial gold mine in the northern province of Phichit by the end of 2016, adding that the Labour Ministry will assist about 1,000 mine workers once it closes down.
Pattraporn Tanngam, a journalist from Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS), reported on Tuesday, 10 May 2016, that the cabinet under Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the junta leader and Prime Minister, ordered a closure of Chatri Akara gold mine in the northern province of Phichit, which is operated by Akara Resources Public. Co. Ltd.
The mining company, however, will be allowed to continue with the mining operation until the end of 2016. The cabinet resolution was reached as the mining concession of the company is about to expire on 13 May 2016.
According to the resolution, the mine shall be closed by the end of 2016 and the mine operator shall begin the procedures to improve the environment around the mining area.
Moreover, the resolution states the Ministry of Public Health shall take care of people whose health have been affected by the mine and that the Labour Ministry will assist employees of the mine once it cease operation by the end of this year.
The cabinet added that they will cooperate with the governor of Phichit to allocate found from the Regional Development Budget to develop the area.
Many people from Phichit, Phetchabun and Phitsanulok Province travelled to the Government House in anticipation of the cabinet resolution on the mining concession.
The controversial gold mine has been opposed by many villagers and environmentalists who claimed that the mining operations of the company have affected their health and livelihood. However, many villagers in the area also support Akara company, saying that the company provides jobs to many people in the region.