The prime minister reminded yesterday’s cabinet meeting has Thailand has an abundance of potash minerals in the northeastern region, covering provinces from Udon Thani to Nakhon Ratchasima. Potash is one of the three essential minerals used in fertiliser production. Canada is currently the top producer of fertiliser from potash globally.
Three entities have already been granted mining licenses but have not been able to commence mining operations. One of the license holders has held the rights for 8 years, but has yet to start mining. The other two companies are having problems raising funds to support their operations.
The Prime Minister thus instructed the ministry to study whether there are potential new players ready to develop potash resources in the northeastern region if the previous license holders cannot utilise the valuable mineral resources that Thailand and the world need.
According to the ministry, Thailand has the fourth-largest potash reserves in the world, totalling 400 billion tons, following Canada, Belarus, and Germany. The country’s significant potash sources can be found in two main areas: the Sakon Nakhon Basin, including Sakon Nakhon, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, and Nakhon Phanom provinces, and the Khorat Plateau, including Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Ubon Ratchathani, and Chaiyaphum provinces.
The underground mining licence approval process under the Mineral Act of 1967 consists of three stages: license application, ministry approval, and mining permission.
