There are things that are quiet and subtle…

Entering the gold zone twice.

In early 2013, before heading to Tuong Duong to investigate the illegal gold mining situation, we were reminded by the Editorial Board: "Suggest anything you need, but try to include accurate information and images, and analyze the causes..." At that time, Tuong Duong was "famous" nationwide for its illegal gold mining activities. Simply researching and writing an article about it wouldn't have been difficult, but fulfilling the Editorial Board's requirements proved challenging.

After much deliberation, the only proposal was, "Allow us to work independently, without contacting any agency in Tuong Duong…". With that in mind, upon arriving in Tuong Duong, we immediately identified numerous illegal gold miners in the localities of Yen Thang, Yen Na, Yen Hoa, Yen Tinh, and Huu Khuong. However, figuring out how to approach these miners proved fruitless. Fortunately, thanks to friends, we contacted someone who volunteered to guide us into the gold mines with only one request: "Keep all personal information confidential."

An article about illegal gold mining on Nghe An Newspaper's online edition. Photo: HG

He was originally from Nam Dinh, but wandered from place to place before settling in Tuong Duong to make a living hunting for ornamental plants. In this profession, he became familiar with all the hills, mountains, and streams, which were also places where gold mining was common. Thanks to his Northern accent, he played the role of a Thai Nguyen resident searching for gold veins very convincingly. At each gold mine, using the tactic of offering to buy the vein for exploitation, he was "courted" by the gold miners. Then, when the miners were off guard, he focused on the "key" issues: the reaction of the local authorities and relevant agencies to the illegal mining. We, as his assistants, quietly recorded the information and images…

Thanks to him, our two-day journey was filled with information the editorial office requested. We were able to confirm that the prolonged illegal gold mining in Tuong Duong was due to the complicity and support of a segment of responsible officials, especially at the local level. A series of articles on the illegal gold mining problem was subsequently published shortly afterwards…

In late November 2021, we traveled back to Tuong Duong to visit Pu Phen mountain – once the capital of illegal gold mining – to verify the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's granting of a gold mining license to Thu Do General Construction and Trading Joint Stock Company (Thu Do Company). The reason was that the Party committee, local government, and voters of Yen Tinh commune were disgusted by the gold mining activities and were very upset with this company for its gold exploration activities on Pu Phen mountain many years prior.

The actual work on Pu Phen mountain and understanding the sentiments of the local people went smoothly. However, gathering all the necessary licensing documents for the Capital Company was not simple. The license was issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; after receiving the license (in 2017), the company did not provide complete related documents to local authorities and departments. It took a lot of time and many inquiries, and fortunately, an official who had previously worked in Tuong Duong district provided relevant information. He confirmed that around 2014-2015, when preparing the gold mining application on Pu Phen mountain, Tuong Duong district was consulted and received a written response...

Following the information provided, the process of reviewing records and documents leading to the issuance of a gold mining license to Thu Do Company on Pu Phen mountain became much simpler. This proved that Thu Do Company's gold mining application was flawed; and that the gold mining license was not issued in accordance with the regulations of the Environmental Protection Law and the Mineral Law. The series of articles, "Decisive Revocation of Gold Mining License on Pu Phen Mountain," was published at the same time as the Provincial People's Council held its 4th session, questioning issues related to the mineral sector.

Remembering kindness

In fact, the two stories above are just small examples of the many issues we have addressed. For example, in recent years, recognizing the situation of stalled projects, delayed projects, and projects using land for purposes other than intended, causing many negative consequences and public outrage, Nghe An Newspaper has taken strong action.

The negative aspects of many large-scale land-use projects have been clearly and transparently exposed by Nghe An Newspaper in numerous articles. Because of their truthfulness, objectivity, and clear reflection of violations and wrongdoings by individuals and organizations involved, these articles have been well-received by readers and have attracted the attention and action of competent authorities and relevant agencies.

The cover of an article about the project is displayed on the Nghe An Newspaper's online edition. Photo: HG

This is one of the things that Nghe An Newspaper has accomplished. But without their support and assistance, Nghe An Newspaper would only have articles reflecting the surface, and would not be able to produce in-depth articles that explain the essence of the issues. We also know that those who have helped us all want the pressing problems and injustices in society to be resolved. That purpose is pure, selfless, and infinitely noble.

But when a journalistic work is published, the relevant issue is considered and resolved, and the journalist not only fulfills their assigned task but also gains recognition from readers and may even achieve accomplishments and be honored. Meanwhile, the invaluable support and assistance of many others, for sensitive reasons, must be kept secret and remain unknown to society.

Therefore, we express our gratitude and will always remember those who have silently and selflessly helped us. We want to be even more responsible and worthy of those who have silently and selflessly supported us…