Akara allowed use of public land plot
The Khao Chet Luk Tambon Administration Organisation in Phichit province has approved Akara Mining's proposal to use a public road that has been shut for more than eight years for its new tailings-storage facility.
The president of the Khao Chet Luk TAO said it and Thab Khlo district held a public hearing on July 31 on Akara’s request to turn an unused road in Ban Nong Raman into a tailings and wastewater holding area.
Most residents agreed with the plan in the belief that the company’s investment in the gold mine would help create local jobs and drive the provincial economy.
The Khao Chet Luk TAO on August 15 met to discuss the issue. The meeting acknowledged the matter and passed the public hearing’s resolution by a vote of 23-1.
After the meeting, members of the TAO will have to provide their signatures before submitting the report to Thab Khlo district. A total of 840 residents of Ban Khao Din and Ban Nikom took part in the public hearing, with 560 yes votes, 269 no votes and 11 invalid votes.
Phichit Governor Suwit Watcharothayangkun said he had been informed of the public hearing on the use of public land for Akara’s Bt500-million expansion project on a 1,000-rai (160-hectare) plot, which would allow the company to continue running its business for 10 more years. He is now waiting for the official minutes of the TAO meeting.
"The gold-mine investment by Akara Mining will benefit the province, as it will open up job opportunities in the community and stimulate the provincial economy," Suwit |said.
