Kanchanaburi Halts Chinese Ore Plant Works

Authorities in Kanchanaburi have ordered an immediate halt to construction of a Chinese-backed ore processing plant after discovering that building work had begun without a construction permit. The suspension was announced on 9 July 2026 following mounting public concern over the project’s potential environmental impact and its proximity to an important irrigation canal.

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The decision follows protests by more than 1,000 residents of Nong Khao Subdistrict in Tha Muang District, who oppose the development over fears that wastewater and chemicals used in ore processing could leak into the nearby canal. Residents say the waterway supplies local tap water systems, the Provincial Waterworks Authority’s Phanom Thuan facility, and agricultural communities across Kanchanaburi and neighbouring Suphan Buri province.

Udon Pheng-aram, mayor of Nong Ya Dok Khao Municipality, said the company had applied to establish the factory and had completed the legally required public consultation process. However, he said the municipality had approved only land preparation work and had not granted permission for construction of the ore processing plant itself.

“The construction of buildings without approval is considered unauthorized,” the mayor said.

As a result, the municipality has ordered all construction activity at the site to stop with immediate effect. Officials confirmed that no construction permit for the ore processing plant has been signed or issued.

The proposed development has attracted widespread opposition from local communities, with residents warning that any chemical spill or leakage could contaminate water supplies and affect both households and farming areas across several districts.

Udon said any future application for a construction permit would require careful consideration because of the site’s proximity to the canal, which serves as a key source of water for the surrounding region. He reiterated that only land preparation had been authorised and that no approval had been given for the construction of processing buildings.

Khaosod reported that the suspension means work on the project cannot continue unless the company secures the necessary approvals through the proper legal process. Authorities are expected to review any future permit application while taking into account environmental issues, regulatory requirements and concerns raised by local communities.

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11 July 2026