Recently, the first geological exploration project for potash mines in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand—undertaken by Qinghai Provincial Nuclear Industry Geological Bureau’s Laos-Qinghai Engineering & Technology Co., Ltd.—officially commenced operations in Thailand. This marks a new breakthrough for the Qinghai Provincial Nuclear Industry Geological Bureau in its “going global” strategy, leveraging Laos as a base to expand into Southeast Asia, and opens up a fresh pathway for entrepreneurs seeking to establish businesses in Thailand as part of the country’s active integration into the Belt and Road Initiative.
　　Building on its solid foundation of accumulated experience in potash exploration in Laos, the Provincial Nuclear Industry Geological Bureau has continuously expanded its research into market information on potash exploration in Southeast Asian countries. Since 2018, when it first sent specialized technical personnel and business managers to Thailand to conduct a fact-finding mission on potash mining projects, after years of careful analysis and assessment, the Lao company discovered that the Korat Basin in Thailand boasts abundant potash resources. This project is characterized by a long history of exploration, a deep level of ore-body study, and large-scale mining operations. Following an in-depth background investigation and comprehensive research and analysis of this project, the company concluded that the project is highly feasible.
　　Relying on our solid reputation in the Lao potash exploration market and through relentless efforts and negotiations, we have secured a stake in Thailand’s potash exploration sector. The project has now commenced smoothly, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the development of Qinghai’s geological exploration endeavors. It also contributes geological exploration expertise to Qinghai Province’s goal of building a “world-class salt lake industrial base.”
　　Potash is a strategic mineral resource that has been in short supply in China for a long time and is closely linked to the country's food security. In recent years, China's potash consumption has continued to rise, with apparent consumption reaching 17 million tons. However, China's reliance on foreign sources remains relatively high, making it crucial to establish a green and efficient potash exploration system.