The mining sector is rallying to combat the economic downturn by establishing the Mining and Construction Materials Association to assist the government in addressing issues faced by operators and reviving the economy, which has been adversely affected by the Wuhan virus.

Dr. Wijak Pongphetra, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Southern Group's mining and port business, and President of the newly registered Mining and Construction Materials Association, revealed that the association was formed from the insights of a group of mining operators and another group of construction material producers and distributors. They recognized the need to unite as a legal entity to collaborate with various government and private sectors, serve as a voice for members facing difficulties, and propose development strategies beneficial to society.

The objective is to represent operators in developing and addressing holistic business challenges, providing guidance to enhance technological, engineering, and management capabilities for members, thereby increasing their operational potential and competitiveness on a global scale. The association aims to facilitate market exchanges and future market strategies, coordinating and cooperating with government agencies and various entities to drive grassroots and national economic growth.

The President of the Mining and Construction Materials Association further stated that they believe the Thai economy will not recover this year. The outbreak of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in China and several other countries, including Thailand, has exacerbated the economic decline, making it increasingly difficult for operators to survive. Therefore, the private sector has united to form this association to brainstorm and propose solutions to address business issues and improve the country's economy.

“Additionally, the Mining and Construction Materials Association will serve as a voice for operators facing challenges due to regulations or certain practices by government officials, aiming to lead to further unlocking of these issues,” Dr. Wijak said.

As of February 17, 2020, there were 71,230 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,770 deaths across 29 affected countries. The Kasikorn Research Center has estimated that if China can control the outbreak within three months, the overall impact on the Thai economy will be no less than $1.5 billion, or approximately 46 billion baht.

In addition to Dr. Wijak, the founding members of the Mining and Construction Materials Association include mining operators, sand producers, logistics companies for land and water transport, foreign shipping companies, industrial stone operators, construction contractors, and Mr. Somwang Wittyapananont as the Secretary-General of the association.