Analysis from the Synchrotron Light Research Institute (SLRI) has discovered a worrying diploma of contamination on a major amount of agricultural land adjoining to a potash mine in Nakhon Ratchasima. As per the evaluation, over 10,000 rai of land has been tainted with sodium chloride and potassium chloride.
The agency holding the operating rights to the mine, Thai Kali Co, has a leasing settlement that extends till 2040 and spans roughly 9,000 rai. The mine stretches across the tambons of Nong Bua Takiat, Nong Sai, and Non Mueang Pattana within the Dan Khun Thot district.
Protest from roughly one hundred fifty farmers in June served as a spark to the situation. The disgruntled agricultural employees claimed that the wastewater emanating from the mine had seeped into their farms, tainting natural water sources and infusing the soil with high salinity ranges. As a result, the cultivation of rice and different staple crops turned a problem.
The multitude of grievances led to a petition in course of Governor Sayam Sirimongkol on June 27. Villagers demanded a shutdown of the mine, which finally led to a brief cessation of mining operations on the location awaiting further inspection by state authorities.
The director of the Office of Environment and Pollution Control eleven (OEPC11), Thanachai Wansuk, confirmed the samples of soil delivered to SLRI contained hazardous levels of sodium chloride and potassium chloride, yesterday.
The check results are to be dispatched to the governor and the creation of a working group is imminent to evaluate the extent of the damage inflicted on the farmlands. Covert is then expected to be brokered, as elaborated by Thanachai Wansuk..