Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee inspected mineral exploitation activities in Nghia Dan and Quy Hop districts.

Implementing the June 2023 Work Program, on June 6, the Provincial People's Committee organized an inspection of mineral exploitation activities in Nghia Dan and Quy Hop districts. The working delegation was led by Comrade Nguyen Van De - Member of the Provincial Party Executive Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee. Accompanying were representatives of relevant departments, branches and sectors.

In the morning, the delegation inspected the sand and gravel mining site of Viet Hung Investment Construction Trading Joint Stock Company in Nghia Hung Commune (Nghia Dan). This company has been granted a business license since 2014.mineral exploration licenseand by 2017, it was granted a license to exploit sand and gravel for common construction materials using open-pit methods. However, recently, landslides have occurred in this area, causing public outrage.

Inspection team at the licensed sand and gravel mine area in Nghia Hung commune (Nghia Dan). Photo: Tien Dong

After completing the inspection in Nghia Hung commune (Nghia Dan), the delegation inspected the stone quarry of Trung Hai Nghe An Group Joint Stock Company in Chau Quang commune; inspected the stone quarry and production workshop of Toan Thang Company Limited, Long Anh Private Enterprise in Tho Hop commune (Quy Hop).

At some quarries and factories of enterprises, the delegation also listened to some recommendations on the shortcomings related to mineral management. Especially, although many enterprises have been licensed for mining, they have not been able to lease land because it is not in accordance with local planning. Completing land lease documents also encountered many difficulties, so the construction of waste dumps has not been done, causing significant impacts on the environment and often being fined.

The inspection team at some quarries in Quy Hop district. Photo: Tien Dong

Inspecting Tho Hop commune (Quy Hop), Mr. Lang Van Dung - Chairman of the Commune People's Committee said: There are 13 licensed mines in the commune, of which 12 have completed the procedures to start mining. There are also 3 approved industrial clusters in the commune. However, currently, there is no centralized waste dump in the commune, so after a period of exploitation, mineral mines have no place to dump waste, which is crushed rocks and waste powder. At many mines, because there is no access road, they have to "borrow the road" through the production land of local people. In addition, many production facilities have not completed the land lease because it is not suitable for the local new rural planning.

Mr. Lang Van Dung - Chairman of Tho Hop Commune People's Committee reported to the inspection team. Photo: Tien Dong

Mr. Tran Duc Loi - Vice Chairman of Quy Hop District People's Committee added that there are 6 industrial clusters in the district, although the Provincial People's Committee has leased land and granted operating licenses, but due to problems related to distance from residential areas, the operation process still causes environmental pollution. Besides, illegal exploitation and transportation of ornamental stones is still taking place in some areas. Some mineral processing factories are operating but have not completed the land lease procedures according to regulations.

Many recommendations and proposals from businesses and local authorities were presented to the inspection team. Photo: Tien Dong

In addition, some enterprises have not strictly complied with regulations and have not properly implemented the contents of the approved environmental impact assessment report. In mineral exploitation and processing areas, solid waste is still dumped in areas where land has not been leased, and dust, noise, and wastewater pollution still occur. Not to mention, currently, industrial clusters do not have centralized wastewater treatment systems, so during operation, wastewater is discharged into the environment.

The local side also proposed that the province support the construction of a centralized waste dump; arrange specialized staff to monitor and support the locality in mineral work.

Concluding the meeting with the locality at the end of the inspection, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van De requested the local government, relevant departments, branches and sectors to strengthen state management, actively support enterprises in completing investment procedures, land lease, environmental impact assessment... so that mineral exploitation activities achieve the highest efficiency.

Comrade Nguyen Van De - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee chaired the working session with the People's Committee of Quy Hop district. Photo: Tien Dong

Regarding the problems that localities and enterprises have proposed, especially the issue of land leasing, comrade Nguyen Van De requested that relevant departments and branches need to consider adjusting investment policies, detailed planning, environmental impact assessment, and mine reserve assessment.