Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 09.00 - 16.00

 

Mae Mo Mine or Lignite Mine is a source of coal discovered in 1917, with an amount of 630 million tonnes which are approximately 40 million years old. All the mining areas belong to the Royal Forest Department, covering around 20,000 rai of land. The coal can be used for approximately another 50 years.

 

On the coal mining areas, there are several coal-fired power plants. Visitors are not allowed to the mining areas because of the hazard coming from explosive substances used in mining. However, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has provided viewpoints in the form of small parks adorned with decorative and flowering plants, a panoramic view of the far below working backhoes can be seen.

 

Furthermore, the Lignite Coal Mine Study Centre Museum (Mae Moh Mine) gives geological knowledge about the mine, including the mine’s history and electricity production technology. It is open on Tuesdays to Sundays, and closed on Mondays. Four rounds of admission are at 9.00 a.m., 10.30 a.m., 1.00 p.m., and 2.30 p.m.

 

The area to the east of the mine which is a dumping ground for unwanted soil from mining has been transformed into a vast field of Mexican sunflowers which bloom around November to December. For more information, contact Tel. 0 5425 4950-5

 

In the area of the mine, EGAT has provided 14 bungalows at 600 Baht each, 20 rooms at 400 Baht each, a golf driving range, an 18-hole golf course, and a club. For further details, contact the Public Relations Department at Tel: 0 5425 4994

 

How to get there Take the Lampang-Den Chai Road for 10 kilometre and turn left at the Pha Lat Junction toward the EGAT office for around 26 km. Alternatively, a Song Thaeo or minibus can be hired from the Boribun Market in Lampang town or at the Thai Osot Pharmacy Intersection on Thipphawan Road; the trip takes about 30 minutes.