Mine closures at 29 mineral mining sites in Nghe An province.

(Baonghean.vn) - In the first six months of 2017, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment advised the Provincial People's Committee to issue decisions to close 29 mining areas, while 8 other mining areas are currently under review for the Provincial People's Committee to issue decisions to close.

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

Commenting on the report on the mineral exploitation situation in the province during the first six months of 2017 and the tasks and solutions for the last six months of 2017, the members generally agreed with the report. In the first six months, the Provincial People's Committee issued 1 permit for land exploration for leveling purposes and 5 permits for mineral exploitation. Currently, there are 201 valid mineral exploitation permits in the province.

Mining activities make a significant contribution to economic development, providing raw materials for investment projects, technical infrastructure, and rural development.

Total revenue from all types of minerals in Nghe An province in the first six months of 2017 reached nearly 5,300 billion VND, and mining sites provided employment for 7,606 workers.

Comrade Le Xuan Dai - Member of the Standing Committee 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; occupational safety, fire safety, and environmental protection have not received adequate attention.

In particular, the collapse of the tailings dam of Nghe Tinh Non-Ferrous Metals Joint Stock Company (March 2017) had a significant impact on the ecological environment and the lives of many households. Following that incident, the Provincial People's Committee directed relevant agencies to actively investigate and handle violations in mining operations (Official Letter 1586/UBND-NN dated March 15, 2017).

Accordingly, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment established an inter-agency inspection team, inspected 56 licenses, and imposed penalties totaling nearly 2.5 billion VND; it also revoked the mining licenses of 7 enterprises for a specified period.

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

In the first six months of 2017, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment advised the Provincial People's Committee to issue decisions to close 29 mining areas, while 8 other mining areas are currently under review for the Provincial People's Committee to issue decisions on mine closure.

At the meeting, several opinions suggested that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment should strengthen coordination with relevant agencies to control mining activities, especially in mountainous, remote, and isolated areas.

Regarding this matter, Comrade Le Xuan Dai – Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee – assigned the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to continue coordinating the review and inspection of mining activities in the area and report to the Provincial People's Committee.

The management of sand and gravel mining in many river routes is a matter of public concern. (Photo: Archival image)

For mining areas under the jurisdiction of 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; if violations occur, advise the Provincial People's Committee and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on appropriate handling measures.

"The Provincial Party Secretary directs the restoration of the land around the mineral mining site."

Nguyen Son