Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

A massive landslide at the Mae Moh lignite mine in Lampang Province has caused widespread damage to buildings, vehicles, and mining equipment, with losses estimated to exceed 100 million baht. The incident, which occurred on November 4, forced the evacuation of staff and prompted a full-scale safety operation by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and local authorities. Officials confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were reported and electricity generation has not been disrupted.

 

The landslide originated from the western spoil dump area of the Mae Moh mine, where large volumes of displaced soil pushed into office buildings and conveyor systems used for coal excavation. Four private contractors operating under EGAT’s excavation and hauling contracts suffered heavy structural and equipment damage. Among them, Sahakol Equipment, the primary contractor responsible for mining operations, was particularly affected, with several offices and pieces of machinery destroyed.

 

Continuous rainfall from October 31 to November 4 is believed to have triggered the soil movement, according to initial assessments. The affected area spans roughly one square kilometre and has been sealed off by officials. Phanompon Tuikad, the Mae Moh District Chief, confirmed that police and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers have been deployed to secure the site and safely relocate explosive materials stored nearby. Authorities are now closely monitoring for further instability as soil continues to shift slowly.

 

On 5 November, EGAT issued statement No. 143/2025, reaffirming that there has been no impact on the region’s power supply. Mr. Narin Phawwanit, EGAT Governor, inspected the site and announced immediate restoration plans. EGAT is working with contractors and government agencies to repair damaged conveyor systems and machinery, with a four-month recovery target. Officials have also installed real-time ground movement sensors and reinforced drainage systems to prevent future incidents.

 

Local administrators, led by Mr. Loesun Wongpia of the Ban Dong Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, confirmed that access to the site is being tightly controlled within a one-kilometre radius. Contractors have been removing vehicles and equipment from danger zones, while engineers assess soil stability. Despite visible widening of the affected area, EGAT insists the landslide poses no risk to nearby communities, which are located about five to six kilometres away.

 

The utility has set up temporary offices for displaced contractors and continues to coordinate with provincial and mining authorities. EGAT will also submit a progress report to the Department of Primary Industries and Mines within 30 days, detailing safety measures and rehabilitation work.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A massive landslide at Mae Moh mine on 4 November caused over 100 million baht in damage but no injuries or power disruption.

• EGAT is restoring damaged conveyor systems within four months and closely monitoring soil stability.

• The one-square-kilometre site remains sealed off, with authorities ensuring public safety and preventing further collapses.

 

 

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Amarin 2025-11-07

 

 

 

This will be the rains fault of course.....! Nothing at all to do with the incompetence of the mine management!