bigdog
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Bangkok Post today
http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/05Dec2007_biz99.php
MINING / ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Gold mine policy clarified
YUTHANA PRAIWAN
Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras yesterday clarified the ministry's delay in granting exploration licences for gold fields, saying it was necessary to revise the policy on gold-mine development for a better balance of interests between mining and communities.
The 56 suspended applications include 44 fields in Phetchabun sought by Akara Mining Co, the local unit of Australia's Kingsgate; two fields in Chanthaburi of Rich Phum Co, two fields in Surat Thani of Amanta Co; four fields in Chanthaburi and Rayong ran by Erawan Mining; and four fields in Chanthaburi of Paron Mining Co, totalling 500,000 rai.
The policy does not affect companies that already have exploration and production licences, which can continue to operate as usual. The suspended applications will be reconsidered once they are cleared by two agencies _ the Forestry Department of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry; and the Interior Ministry _ especially for sites in reserved forests and public areas.
Community and environmental protests have increased in recent years over gold mining, which the government first promoted in 1987.
The cabinet yesterday endorsed a National Economic and Social Development Board plan to conduct a detailed study to find a new direction for gold-mine development to accommodate environmental and community concerns.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/05Dec2007_biz99.php
MINING / ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Gold mine policy clarified
YUTHANA PRAIWAN
Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras yesterday clarified the ministry's delay in granting exploration licences for gold fields, saying it was necessary to revise the policy on gold-mine development for a better balance of interests between mining and communities.
The 56 suspended applications include 44 fields in Phetchabun sought by Akara Mining Co, the local unit of Australia's Kingsgate; two fields in Chanthaburi of Rich Phum Co, two fields in Surat Thani of Amanta Co; four fields in Chanthaburi and Rayong ran by Erawan Mining; and four fields in Chanthaburi of Paron Mining Co, totalling 500,000 rai.
The policy does not affect companies that already have exploration and production licences, which can continue to operate as usual. The suspended applications will be reconsidered once they are cleared by two agencies _ the Forestry Department of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry; and the Interior Ministry _ especially for sites in reserved forests and public areas.
Community and environmental protests have increased in recent years over gold mining, which the government first promoted in 1987.
The cabinet yesterday endorsed a National Economic and Social Development Board plan to conduct a detailed study to find a new direction for gold-mine development to accommodate environmental and community concerns.