Concerns over Chiang Mai coal project are ‘logically sound’, says engineering academicBy PRATCH RUJIVANAROMTHE NATIONPhoto from: Too Young to Die's FacebookAN ENGINEERING ACADEMIC has raised concerns about the potentially serious environmental impacts of an open coal mine planned for Chiang Mai’s Omkoi district. Sate Sampattagul, a lecturer in mechanical engineering at Chiang Mai University, said public concerns about the project were logically sound. Among potential problems are a major loss of forestland and biodiversity, air pollution and high greenhouse-gas emissions caused by extracting and burning coal, Sate noted. “But coal mining is generally considered quite harmful for both the environment and people’s health. “I know coal mining is seen as quite negative in the public’s mind, so I understand why the local people are concerned,” he said.

Source: The Nation Bangkok May 23, 2019 22:07 UTC