PHANGNGA: The House Committee on Industry on Sunday visited lithium deposits in Takua Tung district with a view to promoting them as a global lithium source under the government's electronic vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub policy.
Akkaradech Wongpitakroj, chairman of the House committee and United Thai Nations MP for Ratchaburi, was in the southern province on Sunday to receive a progress report from Phangnga governor Supoj Rodruang Na Nongkhai.
The committee also stopped by the Ruangkiat lithium deposit in tambon Ka Lai to meet Wichat Trairat, chief of the Tambon Ka Lai Administrative Organisation.
The Ruangkiat deposit is one of the three new sites verified by the Department of Primary Industries and Mines in January. It was found to contain at least 14.8 million tonnes of lithium (with 0.45% lithium oxide).
The Ruangkiat site alone can serve at least 1 million EVs that use a 50 kWh lithium battery, according to an earlier report.
Mr Akkaradech said lithium manufacturing in the province is important for the government's EV policy, as it is the main substance used in the production of batteries.
As per the trip, Mr Akkaradech said the committee will discuss with the Industry Ministry overlapping legal issues that had prevented the renewal of some producers' mineral exploration licences this year.
Following a number of positive assessments of the province's potential for becoming a hub for production, Mr Akkradech said residents and local groups had expressed concern about the potential impact of the exploration on their communities and tourism sites.
Mr Akkradech said the committee also plans to consult with all stakeholders as it addresses the effects of the rapidly expanding lithium mining operations during upcoming meetings. There may be environmental implications.