Closing 29 mineral exploitation areas in Nghe An

(Baonghean.vn) - In the first 6 months of 2017, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment advised the Provincial People's Committee to issue decisions to close 29 mines, and 8 other mines are being reviewed so that the Provincial People's Committee can issue decisions to close mines.

Violations in mineral exploitation are still quite common, posing many potential safety risks. Illustrative photo

Commenting on the report on mineral activities in the province in the first 6 months of the year and tasks and solutions for the last 6 months of 2017, the members basically agreed with the report. In the first 6 months of the year, the Provincial People's Committee issued 1 land leveling exploration license; 5 mineral exploitation licenses. Currently, the province has 201 mineral exploitation licenses that are still valid.

Mineral exploitation activities make an important contribution to economic development, providing raw materials for investment projects, technical infrastructure, and new rural construction.

Total revenue from all kinds of minerals in Nghe An in the first 6 months of 2017 reached nearly 5,300 billion VND and the mines created jobs for 7,606 workers.

Comrade Le Xuan Dai - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee chaired the meeting. Photo: Nguyen Son

However, the mining and processing activities of some enterprises have not fully complied with mining procedures and regulations; labor safety, fire safety and environmental protection have not received due attention.

In particular, the incident of the dam burst containing waste sludge of Nghe Tinh Nonferrous Metals Joint Stock Company (March 2017) greatly affected the ecological environment and the lives of many households. After that incident, the Provincial People's Committee directed the relevant agencies to actively participate in inspecting and handling violations in mining (Official Dispatch 1586/UBND-NN dated March 15, 2017).

Accordingly, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment established an interdisciplinary inspection team, inspected 56 licenses, handled violations of nearly 2.5 billion VND; temporarily revoked the right to use mineral exploitation licenses for 7 mineral exploitation licenses of 7 enterprises.

Mr. Vo Duy Viet - Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment reported on the situation of mining management and explained some issues of concern. Photo: Nguyen Son

In the first 6 months of 2017, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment advised the Provincial People's Committee to issue decisions to close 29 mines, and 8 other mines are being reviewed so that the Provincial People's Committee can issue decisions to close mines.

At the meeting, some opinions suggested that the Department of Natural Resources and Environment should strengthen coordination with functional sectors to control mining issues, especially in mountainous, remote and isolated areas.

Regarding this issue, Comrade Le Xuan Dai - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee assigned the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to continue to coordinate in reviewing and inspecting mining activities in the area and reporting to the Provincial People's Committee.

The management of sand and gravel mining on many rivers is a matter of public concern. Photo: Archive

In mining areas licensed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the sector needs to strengthen coordination with relevant agencies and local authorities to strictly control compliance with mining safety regulations; in case of violations, consult the Provincial People's Committee and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for solutions.

» Provincial Party Secretary directs land reclamation for mineral exploitation

Nguyen Son