Massive landslide hits Mae Moh coal mine, damages equipment worth over 100 million baht

A massive landslide struck the Mae Moh open-pit coal mine in Lampang Province on November 4, 2025, causing extensive damage to site infrastructure, equipment, and several operational buildings. Initial estimates from authorities place the loss at over 100 million baht.

According to the Electric Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), which operates the mine, the landslide pushed large volumes of soil upward, collapsing parts of the excavation zone and damaging machinery used in the coal extraction process. Several administrative and maintenance structures within the mining compound were also affected.

EGAT released two official statements confirming that no injuries or fatalities occurred during the incident. The agency emphasized that power generation from the Mae Moh Power Plant continues uninterrupted, and the safety of personnel remains the top priority.

The affected section of the mine, covering approximately one square kilometer, has been cordoned off for safety, and staff working in nearby zones have been evacuated as a precaution. EGAT engineers, along with provincial authorities and geotechnical specialists, have launched a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the slope failure and to assess the stability of the surrounding terrain.

The Mae Moh mine, Thailand’s largest lignite operation, has historically faced geotechnical challenges due to its vast open-pit excavations and steep slopes. While this latest event did not disrupt electricity production, officials noted that the damage to heavy machinery and site infrastructure represents one of the costliest non-fatal mining incidents in recent years.