Compensation awarded in Thai gold mine pollution case

The Civil Court of Thailand ruled in favor of 382 residents from Phichit and Phetchabun provinces, holding Akara Resources Plc, the operator of the Chatree gold mine, liable for pollution and its associated health consequences. This landmark environmental class-action lawsuit, the first of its kind in Thailand, stemmed from two decades of complaints regarding toxic heavy-metal dust, noise from blasting, and leaks from a tailings pond contaminating farmland, waterways, and reservoirs.

The court found convincing evidence of heavy metal leakage and its impact on residents’ health, ordering compensation ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 baht per person, depending on age and heavy metal levels, as well as covering medical expenses and the cost of safe food and water. The court also mandated the cessation of operations at one tailings pond due to safety concerns.

Akara Resources has accepted the ruling but is reviewing legal options. The Chatree mine, owned by Kingsgate Consolidated, has a history of legal challenges, including a previous closure in 2016 and a lengthy arbitration process regarding damages sought by Kingsgate, which ultimately concluded without an award. The mine resumed operations in 2023 under stricter environmental and health conditions.

(Source：Bangkok Post)