Authorities suspend gold mining in Phichit for 30 days
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The Department of Primary Industries and Mines (DPIM) yesterday ordered Akara Resources, which won a government concession to mine gold in Phichit province, to suspend its activities for 30 days after some 200 residents were found to have a high level of
DPIM chief Surapong Chaingtong said that after the health problems were detected, the department called on the firm early last month to provide the affected residents medical treatment in 15 days and determine the cause of problem.
The firm was also required to provide solutions to the problem by the end of last month. However, the mining company has not responded despite the many rounds of instruction, he said, adding that because of this and the high levels of metal in residents’ blood, the DPIM decided to have the company suspend its activities for 30 days.
