New mining concessions, especially in natural areas liked watershed zones, will be carefully considered to strike a balance between economic growth and ecology, said the chief of the Department of Mineral Resources on Sunday.
Sommai Tachawan, the director-general, said the newly activated mineral resources law means mining companies must adhere to stricter regulations to limit their impact on people's health and the environment.
The national committee on mineral resources will decide whether to grant concessions, together with input from the national environment board. Currently, the body is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon.
Mr Sommai made his comments after the cabinet on Tuesday approved the first eight mining projects to be allowed to use the watershed land, regarded as the most fertile land in forest regions. Most projects involve limestone mining in Saraburi province, where 14,121 rai of watershed land will be cleared.
Saraburi is a hub for limestone mining for the country's cement industry which generates over 10 billion baht in related business to the economy. However, it is also home to chamois, a deer-like animal that lives in the areas where limestone is found.
Mr Sommai said the department has completed a 20-year mineral resources management strategy, approved by the cabinet last July. Under the plan, specific zones for mining, environmental impact and people's participation were all taken into account, he said.
"Mining activities in the past have had health and environmental impacts. These eight projects aside, there will be no more development of watershed areas, unless extreme need arises," he said.
Montri Luengingkasoot, chief of Bureau of Mineral Resources, said the plan maps out the potential mining zone, which means no mining activity is allowed outside it.
