Ms Pimphattra sees an opportunity to collaborate with Saudi Arabia on potassium fertilizer business, but potash mining remains a controversial issue in Thailand. Potash mining offers potential, but remains a contentious issue that could lead to protests from villagers living near mines because of concerns over the environmental impact. Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul raised the possibility of potash mining investment during her meeting in the Saudi capital Riyadh with Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef, industry and mineral resources minister, and his deputy minister Khalil Binslmah. Saudi Arabia produces and exports urea and phosphorus fertilisers, while Thailand has potash, said Ms Pimphattra. Villagers are concerned poor potash mining management would lead to waste water being discharged to nearby areas, making the soil salty and reducing the yields of rice and other crops.