Akara given clean bill of health on local water tests
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IN ITS continuing effort to strengthen the trust and confidence of local communities in the Central region with regard to its Chatree gold mine operations, Akara Resources claims that an analysis by the government of water samples collected from areas aro
Several groups joined forces to carry out a water quality survey at 35 local water sources around the Chatree Mining Complex – including tap water, wells, artesian aquifers, pools and canals.
The water samples from these sources were collected and sent to the Research and Laboratory Development Centre of the Public Health Ministry for analysis on February 5. The results show no trace of cyanide or arsenic contamination in local water sources despite concerns raised by the communities.
Pakorn Sukhum, chief executive officer of Akara Resources, said last week that the company would like to thank the Tai Dong Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO) of Phetchabun’s Wang Pong district, Health Department and other organisations for supporting it in the collection of water samples and acting as a liaison for community outreach purposes.
The other organisations that took part in the collection of samples were the Khao Jed Look TAO of Phichit’s Tub Khlo district, the public health offices in Wang Pong and Khao Jed Look, hospitals in Wang Kradat Ngern, Dong Long and Daan Chang, Akara Resources, TAO members and representatives of local communities.
Tests ‘will allay concerns’
“The test results, based on the Ministry of Public Health’s stringent standards, will certainly relieve locals of any concerns regarding water consumption in everyday life.
“Regardless, the company remains fully committed to supporting local communities and further developing their water supply systems. We will continue to stand united with them as one family,” he said.
Akara Resources is supporting the construction of community water supply systems in 17 villages across three provinces. With assistance from government agencies, Akara has developed and delivered such projects for various communities, provided support for state-funded projects and facilitated regular cleaning and filter replacement services.
It constantly monitors the water supply for potential heavy metal contamination by working with the Health Department and local officials to collect water samples for further scientific analysis by reputable laboratories.
Since 2001, Akara Resources has owned and operated the largest “zero discharge” gold mine in the country in terms of ore and gold production at the Chatree Operation, which straddles Phichit, Phetchabun and Phitsanulok in the Central region.
Chatree is operating at 6.2 million tonnes per year, including 130,000 ounces of gold and 1 million ounces of silver. The company has paid over Bt3 billion in royalties to the government to further drive economic growth and quality of life improvements among local communities.
