RESIDENTS of southern Phang Nga province say they do not support lithium mining after the Department of Primary Industries and Mines (DIP) revealed earlier this week that lepidolite deposits, a lithium-rich mineral, had been found there pointing out that tourism would continue bringing better returns, Matichon newspaper said.
This department clarified that surveys had shown that lepidolite deposits had been found at two spots in Phang Nga’s Takua Thung district – Rueangkiat and Bang-e-tum.
While the deposits at Bang-e-tum are still being estimated, those at Rueangkiat total approximately 14.8 million tonnes with the lithium-bearing mineral lepidolite having average 45% lithium oxide content.
Upon being mined in future this is enough to produce lithium-ion batteries for at least one million 50kWh electric cars.
However Mr. Maitri Jongkraijak, president of the Phang Nga Happiness Civil Society Association, said today that Phang Nga has mineral resources including tin ore, which in the past was mined and generated tens of billions of baht, diamonds now lithium.
However, the Provincial Administrative Organization confirmed that lepidolite found in Phang Nga only had an average 45% lithium oxide content, or no more than 25% of the deposits discovered, totalling only around 14 million tonnes.
“The Primary Industries and Mines Department is trying to raise awareness that we will be one of the world’s big players in lithium production, so we have to mine it.
“But the people know the truth … What the department did not say is that in the past Thailand never did the mining on its own, the country allowed foreigners to come in and take up concessions.
“When it comes to producing lithium-ion batteries for at least one million electric cars with a capacity of 50kWh, well we don’t have an electric car brand.
“We also won’t be making batteries ourselves with foreigners coming in to invest – the government never encourages Thai people to invest,” he said.
Maitri added that Phang Nga province is currently at a crossroads -whether to be a city of tourism and happiness or open the door for foreigners to come in and Thais just collect mining royalties.
The government was urged to seriously discuss management of resources with the local people and not just tell them to be happy with this discovery, he said, adding local people have to be asked whether they want their province to remain a tourist destination or become a mining centre.
CAPTIONS:
A beautiful resort at Phang Nga, above, and a stunning beach, Front Page. Top photo: Sanook.com, Front Page photo: TAT
First insert: Lepidolite. Source: Geology.com.
Second insert Mr. Maitri Jongkraijak. Photo: Matichon
Also read: First batch of 2,000 cattle being exported to Vietnam
Indian conglomerate Adani Group keen on investing in Land Bridge megaproject: PM
Binance Thailand opens crypto exchange for trading
Red onions galore heading for petrol pumps
Debt Settlement Market’ now extended to district level nationwide
Thai tourism agencies get huge budget boost for post-Covid recovery
