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Author: Napasawan Deepa

Akara Turns ‘Tailings’ into Opportunity through Partnership with Chulalongkorn University to Advance Sustainable Circular Economy

Posted on by Napasawan Deepa

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 strongly 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.

Akara announces Over 500 Million Baht in Royalties Paid; Confident Thailand Can Become ASEAN’s “Gold Hub”

Posted on by Napasawan Deepa

Mr. Cherdsak Utha-aroon, the General Manager – Sustainability of Akara Resources Public Company Limited, owner of the Chatree Gold Mine, announced that the Company has already paid over 500 million baht in royalties to the government since resuming operations in March 2023. Following the investment of over 2.6 billion baht for overhauling machinery and processing plants, as well as infrastructure at the mine, operations have ramped up to full capacity in May, with expectations to inject more than 4 billion baht into the Thai economy annually. This will be achieved through supporting domestic businesses and creating approximately 1,000 jobs, primarily targeting local employment at 90% to enhance the local economy, improve quality of life, and significantly contribute to mineral royalty payments to the government.

By mid-July 2024, the Company had already remitted over 500 million baht in royalties. Mr. Cherdsak explained that the royalties paid would be allocated as 40% revenue for the government, while the remaining funds would be distributed to local administrative organizations, particularly the Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) and Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) in the area where the mining is conducted. In Phichit, 20% of the mineral royalties will go to the SAO and another 20% to the PAO, equating to approximately 23 million baht for each organization. This allocation is significant enough to enhance their regular budgets received from the central government, thus improving both organizations’ capacity to serve the community effectively. The mineral royalties have also enabled the creation of numerous jobs and projects within the local community.

Additionally, Akara has contributed about 100 million baht to four funds as required by law, not including direct community support from the Company’s budget for activities related to job creation, income generation, education, and social, religious, and sports initiatives that the Company voluntarily undertakes.

Moving forward, the Company aims to fulfill its vision of promoting Thailand as the “Gold Hub” of Southeast Asia, collaborating with upstream and downstream business partners in the gold industry. Akara will engage with relevant agencies to promote Thai gold and silver products under Free Trade Agreement (FTA) criteria. This approach aims to secure various benefits from trading partners, such as reduced import duties in destination countries when using gold and silver extracted and processed in Thailand, provided that at least 40% of production costs meet local content requirements. This strategy will offer a competitive advantage to Thai businesses in international markets and aligns with the government’s economic policy, which emphasizes entering into free trade agreements to attract foreign investment to Thailand.