Background

Lignite has been discovered at Mae Moh District in Lampang Province in the exploration for fuel source in Thailand since 1917.  In 1927, King Rama VII commanded that lignite source be conserved for official use only. 

In 1954, Lignite Authority was founded by the government for coal mine operation in order to sell lignite to the tobacco curing houses, State Railway of Thailand, and cement factory. In the enactment of the EGAT Act, B.E. 2511(1968), the activity of Lignite Authority, Yanhee Electricity Authority, and Northeastern Electricity Authority were merged under the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) which was founded on May 1, 1969. Since then, Mae Moh Mine which is the largest coal mine in Thailand has been under the responsibility of EGAT.

On August 17, 1972, the construction of Mae Moh Power Plant consisting of 3 units, each of 75 MW started whereas Mae Moh Mine was enlarged to increase its capacity from over 100 thousand tons daily to be a million tons. Today, Mae Moh Power Plant has already installed its power generators of 14 units.

On February 7, 1985, the opening ceremony of Mae Moh Power Plant was officially performed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great.

Mae Moh Mine is a large lignite mine having the production capacity of 16 million tons per year. The coal is used by Mae Moh Power Plant as fuel in power generation.

Mae Moh Mine operation takes into account environmental protection. Water is sprayed on the coal yard and road around the mine pits to prevent dust spreading. Environmental monitoring is conducted with participation of the community.

Moreover, mine restoration is conducted to keep balance of the ecology and environment. For example, the landscape of the dumping ground has been improved to become a viewpoint by planting Mexican Sunflower in the cool season.