Chinese Ore Plant Halted Over Pollution Fears

KANCHANABURI — 9 July 2026, Authorities have ordered an immediate halt to construction of a Chinese-backed ore processing plant in Kanchanaburi after discovering the project had begun building works without a construction permit, amid growing public concern over potential environmental impacts.

The move follows protests by more than 1,000 residents of Nong Khao Subdistrict, Tha Muang District, who oppose the project over fears that wastewater and chemicals used in ore processing could leak into a nearby irrigation canal.

Residents say the canal is a key water source supplying local tap water systems, the Provincial Waterworks Authority's Phanom Thuan facility and agricultural communities in Kanchanaburi and neighbouring Suphan Buri province.

Udon Pheng-aram, mayor of Nong Ya Dok Khao Municipality, said the company had applied to establish the factory and had completed the legally required public consultation process.

He said the municipality had approved only land preparation work and had not issued a permit allowing construction of the ore processing plant.

"The construction of buildings without approval is considered unauthorized," he said.

The municipality has therefore issued an order suspending all construction activities on the site with immediate effect.

The mayor said any future application for a construction permit would require careful consideration, particularly because the proposed facility is located close to an irrigation canal that serves as an important water source.

He stressed that no construction permit has been signed or issued for the ore processing plant.

The proposed project has drawn widespread opposition from local communities, who fear that any chemical spill or leakage could contaminate water supplies and affect residents and farmers across several districts.