Completely stop illegal gold mining along the Nam Mo River (Ky Son).

(Baonghean) - Many people still remember the devastating flash flood that occurred in Ky Son and Tuong Duong districts at the end of June 2011. Nearly a year has passed, but the consequences of this historic flash flood have yet to be fully overcome, especially the damage to transportation routes and the lives of families whose homes and belongings were completely swept away. This flash flood was the result of many factors, including the indiscriminate exploitation of alluvial gold along rivers and streams, causing landslides, blockages, and changes in water flow. However, illegal gold mining continues to occur along the Nam Mo River in Ky Son district...

Traveling along National Highway 7A, from Chieu Luu commune to Huu Kiem commune (Ky Son district), we can easily observe the landslides and devastation on both banks of the Nam Mo River due to illegal gold mining by local people. Previously, large-scale alluvial gold mining was carried out by Hai Long Company Limited, which was licensed to operate there. Local people also purchased machinery and equipment for gold mining, further complicating the security and order situation. After the flash flood in June 2011, Hai Long Company withdrew its equipment and machinery from the area, and gold mining along the Nam Mo River essentially ceased.

The Nậm Mộ River is in a state of disarray with rocks and debris scattered everywhere due to gold mining.
(Ky Son)

However, recently, people in Chieu Luu and Huu Kiem communes have resumed bringing various tools and equipment to the Nam Mo River to mine gold using manual methods. The main method involves using hoes and shovels to dig deep into the riverbank, then transporting the excavated soil to the river for panning. The primary drawback of this method is its lack of safety, if not a constant threat to life. When excavated, the weakened geological structure can easily cause tunnel collapses, putting the miners at risk of being buried.

In fact, in early March this year, Ms. Lo Thi Huong in Khe Nam village, Chieu Luu commune, died due to a mine collapse. This method of mining also leads to the risk of landslides affecting agricultural land and transportation routes during heavy rains and floods. National Highway 7A, which has not yet been fully repaired due to the consequences of last year's flash flood, could be cut off or broken at any time. It is known that Ky Son district has issued regulations prohibiting alluvial gold mining in the area along the Nam Mo River and established working groups to inspect and handle violations. The rampant mining has been largely rectified and corrected. However, taking advantage of the hours from late night to early morning, people still take advantage of the time to go to the riverbanks to pan for gold...

To put an end to the above situation, in addition to inspection and handling of violations, authorities at all levels need to strengthen propaganda about the harmful effects and encourage people to commit to not engaging in illegal gold mining so as not to affect security, order and people's lives.

Cong Kien