The newly discovered giant lithium mines in Thailand could help the country become a hub for electric vehicle production in the region, but they also pose significant risks to ecological balance and biodiversity due to mining activities.
On January 18, Thailand announced the discovery of two lithium mines in Phang Nga Province, located in the southern part of the country, with reserves amounting to nearly 15 million tons, representing a substantial potential for electric vehicle battery production. In addition to lithium, large sodium deposits, another crucial element in electric vehicle battery production, were also found in the northeastern region of Thailand.
The discovery of these two lithium mines positions Thailand as the third largest lithium reserve holder in the world, following Bolivia and Argentina, placing Thailand at the forefront of the electric vehicle industry within the ASEAN region, with the potential to transform its economy and establish the country as a center for technological innovation and manufacturing capabilities.
Thailand has discovered 2 lithium mines in Phang Nga province. (Illustrative photo: The Nation).
The lithium and sodium mines present Thailand with an unprecedented opportunity but also pose significant challenges – concerning warnings about environmental impacts. The sites containing lithium and sodium are located near some of Thailand’s most pristine natural landscapes, which are famous for tourism and play a vital role in the ecological balance and biodiversity of the entire region.
In addition to considerable economic benefits, including job creation, increased foreign investment, and a stronger position for Thailand in the rapidly growing global market, the extraction of these mineral resources could also lead to irreversible environmental damage, affecting wildlife, natural habitats, and even climate.
Experts suggest that the exploration and extraction of these mineral resources must be approached with a strategy that prioritizes environmental conservation, through the application of the latest, least invasive mining technologies, rigorous environmental impact assessments, and a stringent legal framework to ensure compliance with sustainable standards.
Furthermore, a portion of the revenue generated from these resources should be allocated to environmental restoration and protection projects, ensuring that economic growth does not compromise the regional ecosystem.
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