Thailand explores lithium sources for growing EVs

BANGKOK, April 18 (TNA) - Thai and foreign investors are running projects on the exploration of lithium sources in the country to cope with the growing demand of electric vehicles (EVs) and other electric devices. Wisanu Tabtieng, Director-General of the Department of Primary Industries and Mines, under the Thai Ministry of Industry, told journalists on Thursday that his department's mineral panel, set up after the promulgation of the mineral bill in 2017, has considered and approved lithium exploration projects, proposed and run by both Thai and foreign investors, since early this year. Wisanu stated that one of the approved lithium exploration projects is located on a 10,000 rai plot of land (2.5 rai = 1 acre) in Phang-nga Province in the Thai South, near an old tin source. "The exploration of the promising lithium source in Phang-nga along the Andaman coast has been set over the next five years, with results of the exploration to be reported to my department every six months", said Wisanu. According to the senior official, if a large amount of lithium enough for the commercial purpose was found, the joint venture project of Thai and foreign investors needs to then seek the Department of Primary Industries and Mines' approval before operating the lithium mine. Lithium, the lightest but highly reactive and flammable metal, can be used for the production of lithium batteries for the growing EVs and other electric devices in the Thai economy and others. (TNA)