Bangkok, 14 July 2025 – Akara Resources Public Company Limited, Thailand’s sole operator of a gold and silver mine, announced a strategic partnership with Chulalongkorn University through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly explore the potential of transforming ‘tailings’—a by-product of gold and silver processing—into valuable economic minerals. The collaboration includes the development of high-quality construction materials from tailings, with plans to pilot community enterprises that generate added value in line with the circular economy model. Akara seeks to become a model for responsible mining by maximizing resource efficiency and sustainable waste management.
Mr. Cherdsak Utha-aroon, General Manager of Sustainability, Akara Resources PCL, said “In the face of economic challenges and environmental pressures, Akara—now in its 24th year of gold mining operations—recognizes the need for efficient resource utilization. At our Chatree Gold Mine, Thailand’s largest, significant volumes of tailings are produced from mineral processing. Our collaboration with Chulalongkorn University aims to unlock the potential of these tailings by reusing them in the production of compressed earth blocks, which are expected to surpass conventional bricks in strength.
We also plan to transfer knowledge on production and distribution to pilot communities in Phichit and Phetchabun provinces, helping generate jobs and income locally. We stronly believe these ‘tailings’ can become a valuable economic material that will drive Thailand’s construction industry and contribute to communities, society, and the long-term advancement of Thailand’s circular economy.”
Dr. Peet Homchuen, Lecturer, Department of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, added “This project marks an important step in integrating mining engineering with the circular economy principles. By transforming tailings, typically considered waste, into high-performance, durable concrete blocks, we not only reduce the use of natural resources but also lower the carbon footprint of the construction sector. This initiative enhances community capacity and income in mining-adjacent areas, promoting a long-term, self-sustaining quality of life.
It aligns with Thailand’s Net Zero goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those on Sustainable Cities & Communities and Responsible Consumption & Production. This partnership between Akara and Chulalongkorn University serves as a strong model of how Thai mining operators and academic institutions can collaboratively address economic, social, and environmental challenges in an integrated and impactful way.”
As part of this collaboration, Akara will provide annual research funding of 3 million baht for three consecutive years to support in-depth studies and the development of practical innovations.
Signatories at the ceremony included Dr. Supichai Tangjaitrong, Director of Chula Unisearch, Chulalongkorn University; Assoc. Prof. Jirawat Chewaroungroaj, Ph.D. of Chulalongkorn University; Mr. Chamrat Saengsrichan, Director and Chief Geologist, Akara Resources PCL; and Mr. Cherdsak Utha-aroon, General Manager – Sustainability, Akara Resources PCL.
This integration of expertise between Akara and Chulalongkorn University represents another important milestone in Akara’s commitment to responsible mining. By reducing waste through circular processes that transform by-products into valuable economic materials, the company reinforces its dedication to safe, transparent operations, while enhancing local livelihoods and raising mining industry standards toward genuine sustainability—one that is truly accountable to communities, society, and the environment.
