Krabi residents up in arms over mine

The residents of Moo 3 in Tambon Din Daeng of Lamtab district gathered in front of Phlu mountain near their village to oppose the project. They demanded that the Department of Primary Industries and Mines review the project.
A mining company has sought concession to operate a dolomite mine in the area from the department and the project is now in the process of public hearing.
The residents, however, did not want to see the project in operation in their community, as they were worried about the impacts of the mining activity. Some 500 families live in the community and up to 1, 000 families in the nearby areas could be affected, they claimed.
The residents said they had already decided to pursue culture-based tourism, as auspicious white elephants were once discovered in the area. 
They said Krabi province has already chosen their community and nearby areas for its eco-tourism efforts, because of their innovative way of life.
The mining operations, hence, would go against the eco-tourism effort, they argued.
The villagers are now collecting signatures to support their campaign and would submit the list to those concerned.