Minister hears opinions over Akara gold mine in Phichit

[Lite Beer]

Minister hears opinions over Akara gold mine in Phichit
THE SUNDAY NATION

BANGKOK: -- Industry Minister Atchaka Sibunruang yesterday visited Phichit and Phetchabun to follow up and gather information about a gold mine's alleged adverse impact on the health of locals.

In doing so she spoke to the mine officials, people opposed to the Akara Resources mine and those who support the area's mining operations.

Atchaka said she would assign central- and regional-level committees to study the issue and report their findings to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Some 300 residents from Khao Jed Look, a tambon administrative organisation, yesterday submitted their demands to the minister.

The demands include the evacuation of people who claim to be adversely affected by the mine, declaring the area around the mine a severe disaster zone and the implementation of remedial measures to aid locals.

They also called for the establishment of a committee to implement three former demands and for the mine to be closed.

Some 300 people including mine workers who support the mine gathered in front of Akara's office to join the opinion-gathering event held by the minister's team.

They said the mine had yielded many benefits such as job creation, improving locals quality of life and launching education projects.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Minister-hears-opinions-over-Akara-gold-mine-in-Ph-30270612.html

-- The Nation 2015-10-11

[ChrisY1]

So the industry minister is about to set up further committees.......I'm sure this has been done over and over with results always in the mine' favour.....which other way could it possibly go!

[farmerjo]

It could go in the way of the protesters.

If that case arises watch all the illegal miners move in and use mercury for the gold extraction.

Then there will be some genuine complaints.