Potash mine contaminates over 10,000 rai of farmland

More than 10,000 rai of agricultural land located near a potash mine in Nakhon Ratchasima has been contaminated with sodium chloride and potassium chloride, according to an analysis by the Synchrotron Light Research Institute (SLRI).

The mine was operated by Thai Kali Co, which holds a 25-year concession that expires in 2040.

The concession covers about 9,000 rai of land across the tambons of Nong Bua Takiat, Nong Sai, and Non Muang Pattana in Dan Khun Thot district.

In June, about 150 farmers staged a protest saying their farms had been affected by wastewater discharged from the mine.

They said this has contaminated the area’s natural water sources and made the area’s soil too salty for the…