Bangkok, The Department of Geological Resources reveals that Thailand has 40 types of minerals, covering an area of ??approximately 60 million rai, with a mineral quantity of 30 trillion tons. It is considered to have complete upstream raw materials for the industrial sector. The private sector can survey mineral reserves to plan mineral production. Mr. Thalerngsak Petsuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment As a spokesperson for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Chaired the press conference to open the treasure trove of mineral resources of Thailand, with Mr. Phichit Sombatmak, Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources, also participating in providing information. Mr. Thalerngsak said that according to information from the Department of Mineral Resources, it was found that Thailand is rich in mineral resources, with up to 40 types found covering an area of ??approximately 60 million rai or 19 percent of the country's area. There a re 30 trillion tons of mineral resources, with a preliminary value of 44,410 trillion baht. These minerals will be a reserve source for the country's raw material security. The amount of mineral resources is a preliminary figure that only considers geological data. To know how much minerals Thailand has if the private sector invests in exploring details in the mineral potential areas designated by the Department of Mineral Resources. The number of mineral reserves will be obtained. which will be used in planning further ore production. Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources said that these treasure troves are considered upstream raw materials that lead to various developments. Both upstream, midstream and downstream industries, whether it be industrial stones used in the development of various infrastructures, minerals for agriculture such as potash ore as a starting material for fertilizer production. Dolomite and perlite for soil conditioning Marl soil for solving salinity problems or even minerals that play an important role in the transition to a low-carbon future such as rare earth elements, lithium, and quartz for use in the production of various parts such as wind turbines and solar panels. Electric vehicles and storage batteries According to the survey results of the Department of Mineral Resources, 10 interesting potential sources of potash were found in the northeastern region. There is at least 10,000 million tons of potash mineral resources, with a mineral value of approximately 161 trillion baht. 30 potential sources of rare earth elements have been found, with an area of ??approximately 10 million rai in 9 provinces. There is a total amount of rare earth mineral resources of approximately 7 million tons of the metal, with a value of approximately 4.40. Trillion baht. If there is promotion, support, and push for the processing of mineral raw materials to downstream industries or continuous industries, it will create opportunities to add value and expand production, such as Monazite ore has an average price of approximately 127,000 baht/ton (as of 2024). Its value will increase not less than 15 times if it is extracted and separated into rare earth oxide compounds. And the value will increase not less than 23 times when smelted into rare earth metals. (Preliminary assessment from averaging the base prices as of 2019 of each type of rare earth metal and rare earth oxide compound) or the production of sodium ion batteries from rock salt, which is a secondary mineral obtained from potash mining at It can be used to expand the electric car battery factory. The Department of Mineral Resources is responsible for promoting mining activities in accordance with good governance and environmental friendliness. which is an activity of the National Mineral Management Policy Committee To enable mining operators and related businesses to operate higher than the standards set by law. and be able to live happily with the community and local people In addition, it will drive the country's mineral manage ment. By designating reserved areas Conservation areas and mineral resource development areas in order to bring mineral resources to beneficial use and have maximum value. Strengthen awareness and promote participation among all sectors in order to create correct knowledge and understanding about mineral resources.? Source: Thai News Agency