Author: admin_aka

One year of experiments by Master K at C-Pit —what will it reveal? 🤔 What happens when plants 🌾 and fish 🐟 are grown using water from this pit? Watch the video to find out!💙💛

“Good Health, Bright Life” – The Core of Sustainable Development

Good health is one of life’s greatest assets. It serves as the foundation for happiness and a driving force for improving quality of life. At Akara, we recognize the importance of health and community well-being. That’s why we are deeply committed to fostering good health in the communities surrounding the mine. Through our ongoing initiatives, such as the Community Health Check-Up Project, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of local residents with care and dedication.

“Akara for the Community” – Promoting Health and Well-Being Around the Mine

On 22 August 2024, Akara, led by Cherdsak Utha-aroon, General Manager of Sustainability at Akara Resources Public Company Limited, launched its annual Community Health Check-Up Project, a cornerstone of our health promotion efforts. Guided by the concept “Safe Mining, Caring for the People,” this initiative provides free health check-ups to residents within a 5-kilometer radius of the mine. This year’s program reached approximately 700 people from 28 villages across three districts, in collaboration with local health promotion hospitals.

Comprehensive Health Services Offered:

• General Health Check-Up: Services included measurements of weight and height, blood pressure, blood tests (to assess blood cell count, liver, and kidney function), chest X-rays, lung capacity tests, and urine tests analyzed by the certified Ramathibodi Hospital Lab.
• Personalized Health Consultations: After gathering basic health data, including weight, height, and blood pressure, village health volunteers (VHVs) and occupational health experts provided tailored advice. Participants also received education on disease prevention, health monitoring, and maximizing health-related benefits.

Akara continues to prioritize the health and well-being of its neighboring communities, reflecting our commitment to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility.

Akara for the Community, Good Health Starts Here!

The health check-up project, also known as the mobile clinic, organized annually by Akara, is funded through a budget allocation of 3% as mandated by the government. This budget is also directed towards the ‘Health Surveillance Fund,’ in addition to paying the mineral royalties. This initiative aligns with Akara’s goal to be a safe mine that cares for the people and brings multiple benefits to both the local community and its residents, as follows:

Akara for the Community: Good Health Starts Here!

The annual health check-up project, often referred to as the mobile clinic, is a vital initiative by Akara. Funded through a mandated 3% budget allocation to the Health Monitoring Fund on top of the paid mineral royalties, this project underscores Akara’s commitment to being a safe mine that genuinely cares for its people. The initiative delivers substantial benefits to local communities and their residents, including:

• Improved Access to Healthcare: Local villagers gain easy and quick access to free health check-up services.
• Comprehensive Health Surveillance: Villagers receive personal health data, enabling them to monitor their health, prevent issues, and access timely treatments when necessary.
• Reducing Healthcare Inequity: The project addresses disparities in healthcare access, particularly for remote and underserved communities.
• Strengthening the Community Health System: By collecting annual health data, Akara helps build a community health system, paving the way for sustainable disease prevention and long-term health improvements.
• Fostering Community Relationships: Beyond health education and disease prevention, the project nurtures a positive relationship between Akara and the communities, promoting mutual care and cooperation.

“Images from the ‘Safe Mine, Caring for the People 2024’ health check-up project for the Chatree Community”

Health Check-Up Project: Voices from the Community

“I feel very good. My health is normal now, and I would like to see this happen again.”            –Riam Boonthai, villager from the community near the mine

“Everyone is happy. They want to check if they have any health issues. I hope Akara will continue doing such good projects for the villagers and communities around the mine.”          –Somchai Laemnak, village headman from the community near the mine

In addition to the health check-up project for communities surrounding the mine, Akara introduced engaging activities, including a lucky draw with exciting prizes. The grand prize featured gold from Akara, alongside bicycles and various other items. The event also hosted a market zone where villagers could sell local products, providing a platform to generate additional income and support economic growth within the community.

At Akara, we believe that “community responsibility” is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to being a true friend to the community, supporting and caring for one another. Health is a fundamental cornerstone for improving quality of life and fostering happiness. Our health check-up project is a testament to our unwavering commitment to building strong, sustainable communities. Together, we aim to create a future where good health and well-being lead the way.

Discover the True Value of Gold: A Timeless Gift for the New Year

Gold is one of the most valuable natural metals in the world, admired for its brilliant shine, timeless beauty, and scientific properties that make it unique. It’s no wonder that gold has been a symbol of wealth and prosperity for centuries and remains highly sought after across the globe.
As the New Year approaches, many people are looking for meaningful and valuable gifts to give to loved ones. Gold jewelry and gold bars are always great choices — whether as a personal investment or a symbol of appreciation.
However, with recent concerns about real gold vs. fake gold, many buyers and investors are worried about purchasing authentic gold. To help you make the right choice, Akara, a trusted gold producer in Thailand, is here to share valuable insights about gold authenticity and how to choose the right type of gold.

Gold: The Origin of Preciousness

Gold is one of the world’s most precious metals, formed through complex geological processes and often found in quartz veins, granite rocks, and placer deposits. Its distinctive features — bright yellow color, softness, and malleability — make it easy to shape. Additionally, gold is resistant to corrosion and does not react with most chemicals, making it durable and long-lasting.
Beyond its scientific uniqueness, gold has held a significant role in human history. It has been a symbol of wealth and power across various civilizations, including in Thailand and around the world.
Historically, gold was used as the ‘gold standard,’ the world’s first international monetary system, which pegged currency value to gold reserves. Although this system was eventually discontinued, gold continues to be a crucial part of the global financial system.

Gold is widely regarded as a safe-haven asset, especially during economic crises. Its value tends to rise when other assets decline, making it a reliable investment. Beyond its financial significance, gold holds deep cultural and religious importance. It is often used in religious rituals, traditional ceremonies, and as jewelry, symbolizing status, prosperity, and elegance.

From Ore to Gold: The Process Behind Beauty and Prosperity

Extracting gold from ore is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge, expertise, tools, technology, and innovation. The main steps involved in gold extraction from ore are as follows:

1. Crushing: The gold ore is finely ground and mixed with process water to form a slurry.
2. Extraction: In this step of the gold extraction process, sodium cyanide is used to dissolve gold from the ore. The dissolved gold is then adsorbed onto activated carbon before being stripped to obtain the pregnant eluate. Gold and silver recovery from the pregnant eluate is achieved through electrowinning, followed by the smelting process to produce Doré bars. A key innovation in this step is the precise control of sodium cyanide usage, which enhances both efficiency and environmental responsibility.
3. Refining: After gold is extracted, it undergoes a refining process to achieve the highest level of purity. The purified gold is then crafted into fine jewelry or used in various industrial applications.

At Akara, we are committed to responsible mining practices that prioritize safety, environmental protection, and community well-being. We uphold some of the highest safety standards in the global gold mining industry by adopting modern, environmentally friendly technologies. Our innovations include precise cyanide management, secure tailings storage facilities with leak-proof systems that meet international standards, and a zero-release policy to prevent tailings from entering the environment. We also recycle water from the production process and use advanced blasting technologies to reduce noise and dust, minimizing the impact on surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Clarifying the Differences: Pure Gold vs. Karat Gold vs. Fake Gold – Know the Facts to Avoid Being Fooled

When it comes to gold, purity is the most critical factor that determines both its value and properties. Understanding the differences between pure gold, karat gold, and fake gold is essential to ensure you make informed decisions when buying or investing in gold. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Pure Gold (24K): The Standard of Preciousness 

Pure gold, also known as 24K gold, is considered the highest standard of real gold, with a purity level of 99.99%. This means that out of 1,000 parts, 999.9 parts are pure gold. However, in Thailand, the standard purity for gold is 96.5% (equivalent to 23.16K), as regulated by the Gold Traders Association and the Consumer Protection Board (CPB).

Pure gold has a rich yellow color, is soft, and can be easily shaped. However, it is also prone to scratching and can be marked with even slight pressure. Due to its softness, 24K gold is primarily used for making gold bars, gold coins, and certain types of jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets.

2. Karat Gold: The Perfect Balance of Strength and Purity

Karat gold refers to gold that has been combined with other metals, reducing its purity while increasing its strength and durability. The term “K” or “Karat” indicates the proportion of pure gold in the gold alloy. The higher the karat value, the greater the percentage of pure gold.
Common metals used to alloy with gold include silver and copper, which enhance the strength, durability, and color of the gold, making it more suitable for various applications.
Karat gold is widely used in jewelry, electronics, electrical appliances, and even in transportation and communication industries. Here are the most popular types of karat gold and their specific uses:

• 18K Gold: Contains 75% pure gold, giving it a rich white-yellowish color. It is highly popular for fine jewelry.
• 14K Gold: Contains 58.33% pure gold, with a white-yellow hue. This type of gold alloy is commonly used in jewelry and electronics due to its durability and affordability.
• 9K Gold: Contains 37.5% pure gold, resulting in a pale-yellow color. It is often used for affordable jewelry and electronic components.

3. Fake Gold: How to Identify Imitations and Avoid Being Deceived

Because gold is a highly valuable commodity, it often attracts counterfeiters looking to deceive buyers with fake gold. Fake gold typically has very low purity or is plated with a thin layer of gold over cheaper metals, giving it the appearance of genuine gold. However, its value and properties are vastly different from real gold.
Understanding how to spot fake gold is essential to protect yourself from scams. Here are some simple yet effective gold testing methods to help you identify real gold vs. fake gold.

How to Spot Fake Gold: 5 Simple Methods

• Check for a Stamp: Genuine gold will have a purity stamp indicating its quality, such as 96.5%, 99.99%, or 24K, 18K. If the item lacks a stamp, it may be fake.
• Magnet Test: Real gold is non-magnetic and will not be attracted to magnets. If the item is pulled toward a magnet, it is likely fake gold.
• Hardness Test: Pure gold is soft and can be easily scratched. If you lightly scratch or bite the gold, it will leave a mark. If it doesn’t, it could be fake.
• Gold Testing Solution: A gold testing solution can help determine authenticity. This method is often used by professionals to verify whether a piece is genuine gold.
• Price Check: Gold prices are regulated by the Gold Traders Association. If an item is being sold at a suspiciously low price, such as during extreme promotions or discounts, it may be fake gold.

Akara: Thailand’s World-Class Gold Mine — From Quality Gold for Thai People to Global Recognition

At Akara, we are committed to producing gold that meets international standards. With our vision of “Thai Gold for Thais, Reaching the World,” Akara has partnered with PMR (Precious Metal Refining Company Limited) to refine our doré bars into 99.99% pure gold, adhering to global quality standards.

This refined gold is then delivered to Ausiris, a renowned business rooted in traditional Thai goldsmithing, where it is crafted into high-quality gold jewelry for global export.

Our integrated process connects Thailand’s gold industry from mining to refining to jewelry production, creating a seamless supply chain. By ensuring that our products meet Free Trade Agreement (FTA) requirements, we benefit from reduced import duties in partner countries. Additionally, we use locally sourced gold and silver, further strengthening Thailand’s competitive edge in the global gold market. This initiative plays a significant role in strengthening the Thai economy by reducing the need for gold imports, thereby minimizing the country’s trade deficit. Additionally, it positions Thailand as a prominent gold production and trade hub within Southeast Asia, enhancing the nation’s reputation in the global gold market while promoting local industry growth and sustainability.

After learning about the gold extraction process and understanding the differences between pure gold, karat gold, and fake gold, you can confidently choose genuine gold for New Year’s gifts or other special occasions. However, to ensure the quality, it is essential to purchase gold from trusted stores where you can verify the gold’s purity stamp and obtain a certificate of authenticity to guarantee the legitimacy of the gold.

Have you ever wondered why some people refer to Akara Gold Mine as the ‘Chatree Gold Mine’? Is it because of someone named Chatree, or is there another reason behind it? Today, we invite you to discover the origin of the gold mine’s name and learn about the remarkable geologist, Chatree Chaichanapoonpol, whose groundbreaking work in gold exploration helped establish what is now the world-class Gold Mine, known as Chatree Gold Mine.

The Origins of Akara Gold Mine: The Man Behind ‘Chatree’

Akara’s story is deeply tied to Thailand’s rich history of gold mining and the significant contribution of Chatree Chaichanapoonpol. Thailand, often referred to as the “Land of Gold,” boasts an abundance of natural resources, and it was Chatree’s expertise that led to the discovery of gold that Akara now produces.

Chatree, a visionary Thai geologist, is credited as one of the first to discover gold ore veins at what would later be known as the Chatree Gold Mine. His precision and deep understanding of rock formations and the environmental conditions required for gold veins were crucial in pinpointing gold-rich areas in Thailand. His contributions were pivotal in transforming the Chatree Gold Mine into Thailand’s largest gold mine, a significant achievement in the nation’s mining history. Unfortunately, Chatree passed away in a car accident in 1992. 

Chatree stands in the back row, second from the left.

Chatree Chaichanapoonpol is a highly skilled Thai geologist recognized as one of the leading experts in gold ore exploration. Originally from Chiang Mai province, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in geology from Chiang Mai University. Driven by a passion for geology, Chatree began his career at Thai Goldfields Co., Ltd., before joining Akara Mining Co., Ltd. (now Akara Resources Public Company Limited). His broad vision and commitment to discovering natural resources that would help develop Thailand led him to explore a variety of minerals across the country, ultimately leading to significant gold discoveries.

According to Chamrat Sangsrichan, General Manager of Exploration at Akara, Chatree was a key colleague in the search for gold deposits in Thailand. Chamrat recalls:

“In the early days, we traveled all around Thailand to investigate potential sites. If any location seemed promising, we would return to follow up on the results of the exploration. The process involved both geological and geochemical surveys. Together with Chatree and another colleague named Surapol, we created maps and recorded geological data—identifying the types of rocks and minerals we found.

The breakthrough came on 26 March 1990, when the team discovered small gold flakes embedded in quartz veins during exploratory drilling at 13 points in the Khao Mo area, which later became known as Pit A of Chatree Gold Mine.” 

To honor Chatree, Akara Resources named the mine “Chatree Gold Mine, which became the first gold mine for the company. To honor Chatree’s pivotal role, the mine was named “Chatree Gold Mine,” and it became the first gold mine for Akara Resources. The mine, located at the border between Phichit and Phetchabun provinces, remains a proud symbol of Chatree’s contribution to Thailand’s mining industry and Akara’s ongoing success.

Although Chatree and his team had discovered the first gold deposit in Thailand, starting the mining operation raised concerns for many people at that time. Surachat Munsamai, a colleague of Chatree, shared his perspective:

“Back then, it was quite difficult to explain to people the benefits of having a mine. Information was scarce at the time, unlike today, where you can easily search on the internet and see that mining has minimal impact. I remember Chatree once said to me, ‘One day, they will understand what we are doing for them.’ Today, what Chatree said has proven to be true…”

The Journey from Chatree Gold Mine to the Community: The Growth of the Mine Alongside Local Development

Chatree was not only the geologist who discovered the gold deposit that became Thailand’s world-class, safe, and sustainable gold mine, but he was also deeply committed to the “community.” He dedicated himself to building strong relationships and improving the quality of life for people in the surrounding areas alongside the mining operations.

“Chatree was the first to come to my grandmother. Whenever we mentioned something, he was always ready to help. He would offer assistance even if he didn’t know what was needed. He would consult with us. For example, regarding the water supply, he would say, ‘What’s wrong with it? I’ll send a technician to check it.’ We are very thankful to Chatree and his mother as well.” – Paeng and Somporn Chimplee, Grocery Shop Owners and Local Residents near Chatree Gold Mine.

“My father was the village head of Moo 9, and he knew Chatree. He told me there would be gold prospecting. There were no houses here back then, just rice fields. We are very grateful to Chatree for discovering this gold prospect, bringing global recognition to Thailand’s gold, and providing income and infrastructure development to our community.” – Siwakorn Chuaikhamchu, Motorcycle Repair Shop Owner and Local Resident near Chatree Gold Mine.

“In the past, my father worked at the mine, driving a large truck. I was the only one in the village to receive a scholarship from the mine at that time. Honestly, I didn’t think I would continue my education because I didn’t want to burden my parents with tuition fees. However, I was determined to support myself and shared with them that the mine had offered me a scholarship. I am truly grateful to Chatree for discovering this area and bringing development to our community. Personally, without the mine, I wouldn’t have had the same educational opportunities as others in society.” – Promphan Khunthong, Community Relations and Development Officer, a local resident near Chatree Gold Mine who benefited from educational and employment opportunities.

Akara: Continuing the Vision for Sustainability 

We are proud to uphold Chatree’s vision by conducting gold mining operations responsibly. We focus on sustainable development across economic, social, environmental, and safety sectors, aiming to create lasting benefits for the nation and surrounding communities.

The Chatree Gold Mine represents gold mined from Thai soil, now a source of pride for the Thai people, thanks to the vision of Thai geologist, Chatree Chaichanapoonpol. His groundbreaking work has brought significant recognition to Thailand and serves as an inspiration in the field of Thai geology.

Thailand…The Land of Abundance
Thailand is a nation rich in natural resources, fueling its economy and positioning the country on the global stage. From aromatic jasmine rice and mouthwatering fruits to high-quality rubber and precious “gold,” these treasures not only drive economic growth but also enhance the nation’s global reputation.

Among these resources, gold stands as a timeless symbol of prosperity. Today, the Chatree Gold Mine—a world-class gold mining operation—is poised to reclaim its position as a leader in the gold mining industry. With innovations, adherence to international standards, and a commitment to sustainability, Akara proudly contributes to Thailand’s economy and brings pride to all Thai people.

Discovering Akara’s Gold Mine Today… Facts You May Not Know

“Akara Resources Public Company Limited” is a Thai-owned gold mining company holding the mining leases for the Chatree Gold Mine, the largest world-class gold mine in Thailand, located on the border between Phichit and Phetchabun provinces.

With a steadfast commitment to responsible mining practices, Akara focuses on three key areas:

• Economic Development: Generating jobs, supporting livelihoods, and boosting income for local communities and the national economy.
• Community Care: Improving the quality of life through initiatives in education, healthcare, and sustainable community development.
• Environmental Conservation: Employing world-class, eco-friendly technologies and innovations while rehabilitating land areas alongside mining operations.

Despite numerous challenges, Akara remains driven by its commitment to sustainable growth in harmony with the community and the nation.

“A new journey has begun.”

Today, Akara is back with renewed dedication. The operation will continue to uphold rigorous safety measures, adopt environmentally friendly innovations, and adhere to globally recognized standards that ensure sustainability and reliability over time.

The New Era of Akara Gold Mine… Moving Forward with Sustainability

The Chatree Gold Mine is making a comeback, leading the gold mining industry with “New Era Innovations” rooted in ESG principles.

• Environmental: We integrate modern, environmentally friendly innovations and technologies to position ourselves as a global leader in sustainable gold mining. Key initiatives include:
  • Closed-system ensuring nothing is released to the outside.
  • An internationally-certified tailings storage facilities, to prevent seepage.
  • 100% water recycling from the production process, 
  • Eco-conscious blasting innovations, such as timed detonation delays to minimize noise and vibration, water injection before blasting to reduce dust, and land rehabilitation alongside mining.
• Social: We are committed to creating shared value with local communities through various initiatives, including job creation, career development, educational support, health promotion, and training programs that enhance skills and provide greater employment opportunities.
• Governance: We adhere to the highest governance standards, conducting our business with transparency, accountability, and responsibility towards all stakeholders. 

In addition, we are pursuing another major goal: transforming Thailand into a ‘Gold Hub,’ positioning the country as a leading gold production center in Southeast Asia. This initiative is driven by the business collaboration between Akara Resources Public Company Limited, Precious Metal Refining Company Limited (PMR), and Ausiris Company Limited. Together, we form a seamless and high-quality gold production network spanning upstream (Akara-Smelting), midstream (PMR-Refining), and downstream (Ausiris-Fabricating) operations.

This effort aims to add ‘value’ to Thai gold and silver products and boost competitiveness by ensuring compliance with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). This enables businesses to benefit from tariff reductions in destination countries by using gold and silver extracted and fabricated in Thailand, aligning with Local Content regulations. This initiative not only gives Thai businesses a competitive edge in international markets but also reduces reliance on imports and increases order volumes, particularly within ASEAN. Moreover, it aligns with the government’s economic policies, which prioritize free trade agreements to attract foreign investment to Thailand.

Akara Gold Mine: Driving Thailand’s Economy with a Positive Impact from Upstream to Downstream

With the reopening of the Akara Gold Mine, we are committed to upholding our reputation as one of the safest gold mining operators in the world while fostering sustainability. Our vision is to play a pivotal role in advancing Thailand’s economy across the entire value chain—from upstream to downstream—on a global scale, with a strong emphasis on quality and sustainability.

Our mission is to create a positive impact across multiple sectors, as outlined below:

Economic Impact 

As Thailand’s only major gold producer, Akara plays a vital role in creating a significant economic impact that contributes to the sustainable growth of the Thai economy.

• Huge Investment: The reopening of Akara Gold Mine comes with an investment exceeding 2.6 billion baht for the overhaul, repair, and development of machinery, metallurgical plants, and facilities, ensuring readiness to produce high-quality gold for the global market.
• Stimulating the Circular Economy: Akara projects an annual economic circulation of over 4 billion baht through support for local businesses, procurement, and employment opportunities.
• Positioning Thailand as the ASEAN “Gold Hub”: Akara is committed to driving Thailand to become the “Gold Trading Center” in the ASEAN, creating massive business opportunities and boosting national income.

How Mineral Royalties Benefit Thai Society

Mineral royalties play a vital role in returning profits to society and enhancing the quality of life for all Thai people. These royalties, a form of taxation on the use of natural resources, contribute significantly to the nation’s development.

At Akara, we are proud to support Thailand’s progress through the transparent and proper payment of mineral royalties. Since the beginning of our operations, Akara has paid over 4.5 billion baht in mineral royalties. After resuming operations in March 2023, we have already contributed more than 700 million baht to the Thai government. These funds are directly channeled into national and local development initiatives that benefit communities across the country.

How Mineral Royalties Are Allocated

• 40% to the Central Government: This portion of the mineral royalties is allocated to the central government, supporting various sectors of national development.
• 60% to Local Communities:
  • 50% for Local Areas Near Akara Gold Mine: These funds focus on improving the quality of life for communities around the mine and promoting sustainable development.
  • 10% for Local Administrative Organizations Nationwide: Distributed across local administrative organizations (Subdistricts) throughout Thailand, these funds help address regional needs and boost community welfare.

Social Impact: Creating Value, Opportunities, and Happiness

Above All Else… People Are the Heart of Akara.

At Akara, we firmly believe that business success must go hand in hand with social development and the improvement of the quality of life for local communities. Our commitment is centered around the well-being of people, as they are the foundation of everything we do.

• Creating Jobs and Stimulating Local Economies – Akara provides employment to over 1,000 local residents, with more than 90% of our workforce coming from nearby communities. This employment helps drive the local economy, generate income, and uplift the standard of living. Beyond providing jobs, we are committed to fostering long-term self-sufficiency, empowering communities to thrive independently for years to come.
• Enhancing Quality of Life – Our initiatives extend beyond traditional business operations to actively support programs that enhance the lives of local residents. These programs include:
  • Education: Life skills development and access to quality education.
  • Healthcare: Improved access to medical services and wellness programs.
  • Community Enrichment: Support for sports, religious activities, and cultural preservation.

By investing in these areas, we aim to strengthen the foundation of local development, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.

• Strengthening Families and Communities – One of Akara’s core commitments is to build strong, resilient families. By creating local opportunities, we help reduce the need for migration, allowing families to stay together and thrive in their communities. This focus on family unity contributes to a stronger social fabric and greater community stability.

Akara Gold Mine: A Thai Gold Mine Driving Sustainability Forward for Thailand

A new chapter has begun at Akara as the mine resumes operations, reaffirming our commitment to being “Thailand’s High-Quality Gold Mine with World-Class Sustainability and Safety.”

Our mission goes beyond gold production. We are dedicated to fostering sustainable economic, social, and environmental development, ensuring long-term benefits for Thailand and its people.