Thailand to shut only gold mine over environmental complaints

Thailand will close its only active gold mine by the end 2016 after serious environmental concerns were raised, the industry ministry said on Tuesday.

The announcement was made by officials in the wake of reports that the mine was responsible for contamination suffered by villagers.

In January last year a military government investigation team said that more than 300 people tested positive for arsenic and manganese at Akara Resources' Chatree mine, which is located 280 km north of the capital Bangkok.

Akara is a subsidiary of Australian company Kingsgate Consolidated and produced and exported 4 tonnes of gold in 2015.

Addressing the media, Thai Prime Minister said: "There will no longer be any gold mines by the end of this year."

The Chatree mine has been the focus of protests by farmers and villagers who claim that the mine has poisoned residents, crops and livestock.

In a statement, Industry Minister Atchaka Sibunruang said that the mine can continue operating until the end of the year and an agreement has been reached between Akara and state agencies to offer healthcare to affected villagers.