Quarry endangering road users in Nghe An fined 256 million VND
The quarry located right next to National Highway 1A through Hoang Mai town is a nightmare for local people as well as passing vehicles every time there is a blasting operation.
On July 24, a leader of the People's Committee of Hoang Mai town said that the locality has just issued a decision on administrative fines for Hoang Mai Stone Joint Stock Company with a total amount of up to 256 million VND. This company is the owner of Hoang Mai B stone quarry (in Quynh Thien ward, Hoang Mai town), whichNghe An Newspaper has had many articles reflectingon violations as well aslurking dangerfor people and vehicles passing by every time the quarry blasts.
This move was made after the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment decided to establish an inspection team at this quarry on April 5, 2024. After making a record of the violation, on June 21, the inspection team issued an official dispatch, transferring the entire case file and submitting it to the Chairman of the People's Committee of Hoang Mai town for consideration and issuance of a Decision on administrative sanctions against Hoang Mai Stone Joint Stock Company.
According to the penalty decision, this company committed 3 violations. Specifically, the company was fined 6 million VND for not informing the State management agency of minerals (General Department of Geology and Minerals of Vietnam) about the professional qualifications and management capacity of the mine director as prescribed. In addition, this company was fined 130 million VND for repeatedly committing the violation of not creating or updating the current status of the mine map for more than 6 months as prescribed.
In addition, Hoang Mai Stone Joint Stock Company was also fined 120 million VND for the act of exploiting one of the parameters of the mining system incorrectly. Specifically, the actual height of the mining layer in the field is larger than the approved mine design. According to the design, the maximum height of the layer is 10m, but in reality, the average height of the layer in the field is up to about 40m, 4 times larger.
Regarding additional penalties, the People's Committee of Hoang Mai town clearly expressed its viewpoint, suspending mineral exploitation activities in case of recidivism or multiple violations: From 4 to 6 months for violations of the provisions in Clause 5, Article 40 of Decree No. 36/2020/ND-CP dated March 24, 2020 of the Government on administrative sanctions in the field of water resources and minerals. On the other hand, Hoang Mai Stone Joint Stock Company is also required to pay the costs of requesting appraisal, inspection and measurement in case of violations; forced to exploit the correct parameters of the floor height determined in the approved mine design/technical economic report.
Previously, asNghe An Newspaper has reportedFor many years now, some households in Tan Thanh block (Quynh Thien ward) have always been anxious every time Hoang Mai B limestone quarry conducts blasting to exploit stone. During the blasting time, which often lasts for many hours at noon and in the evening, many people do not dare to leave their homes for fear of rocks falling on their heads. Many houses have been hit by flying rocks, causing serious damage. People have sent complaints to local authorities many times but have not been able to get any help.
According to the reporter's records, this limestone quarry is located next to National Highway 1A. The distance from the quarry to the residential area is about 200m. Next to National Highway 1A, closest to the quarry is the North-South railway line. On the mountain, many large rocks that were thrown out after the blasting are still lying precariously, waiting to roll down the railway line. Not only do rocks fall on residential areas, but each time a mine explodes, rocks often fall onto National Highway 1A, posing a danger to passersby. Therefore, when it is time to detonate the mine, the company sends people to block vehicles on National Highway 1A passing through this area to ensure safety.
The People's Committee of Hoang Mai town has also issued a document requesting competent authorities not to continue to extend (or grant new operating licenses) in this mine area so as not to affect the people, National Highway 1A and Hoang Mai Industrial Park I.
