BANGKOK, 17 May 2015 – The Ministry of Industry has denied a rumor that it was preparing to auction gold mining concessions.
Industry Minister Chakramon Phasukavanich confirmed the government had yet to put gold ore sources in 31 provinces up for auction, since the cabinet has decided to suspend the planned bidding since 2007.
Mr. Chakramon said the Ministry of Industry was in the middle of drafting a new policy regarding the gold mining concessions. Brain-storming sessions will be held in different provinces in July to collect the opinions of local people on the matter. The data will then be discussed at the cabinet meeting for consideration.
The Minister added that anyone spotting gold mining in his community can inform authorities so that culprits can be prosecuted.
