Khammuan authorities inspect a sinkhole near a potash mine in Thakhaek district. --Khammuan News

Sinkhole in Khammuan filled in, area declared safe

Khammuan authorities have filled in a sinkhole that appeared in a field near a potash mine in Pakpeng village, Thakhaek district, and have declared the area safe.

Khammuan authorities use a drilling machine to learn what caused the ground to collapse.    --Photo Khammuan News

A survey of the sinkhole found that it was not caused by underground mining operations and was not related to the presence of subsurface potash ore, but was natural subsidence of surface soil.
Rumours that the Lao government will not allow Sino-Agri Potash Co.,Ltd to continue its operations are baseless, according to Khammuan News.
Provincial authorities have completed the measurement of underground tunnels, filled in the sinkhole, and compacted the soil.
Two drilling machines were used to drill down 10 metres and 20 metres to study the soil structure and determine the cause of the collapse.
A barrier was erected around the site to prevent people and animals from entering the area and allow monitoring for any movement of the ground around the sinkhole.
Provincial authorities held a meeting to report on its their investigations and findings, which was attended by representatives of Sino-Agri Potash Co.,Ltd.
The Governor of Khammuan province, Mr Vanxay Phongsavanh, monitored the drilling operation and advised provincial authorities to continue investigations to determine the precise reason for the subsidence.
This information should be made public as soon as possible, he advised.

By Siladda Suliyong
 (Latest Update January 9, 2025)