Water samples near Phichit mine contain cyanide

The test results prompted local residents to believe contaminated water leaked out of the mine, while officials say they have been unable to confirm any such leakage. 

The provincial administration has set up a working team to inspect water sources further and determine whether water from the mine leaked on to rice fields in Thab Khlo district as alleged.

Tanapon told officials, locals, and Akara Resources representatives at Phichit City Hall that water samples from a rice field and a nearby area had higher cyanide content than the standard maximum of 0.05 milligram per litre. He said similar levels were found in samples collected from the mine’s first tailings facility. But it remained inconclusive whether water had leaked from the mine, he added.