Strengthening mineral exploitation management in Que Phong

(Baonghean.vn) -Continuing the monitoring plan, on the morning of April 8, the Economic Committee of the Provincial People's Council's Economic - Budget Committee, headed by Mr. Tran Quoc Chung - Deputy Head of the Economic - Budget Committee, had a meeting with the leaders of Que Phong District People's Committee on the management and protection of mineral resources in the district. Also participating were Mr. Le Minh Thong - Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Chairman of the Provincial Party Inspection Committee; Pham Anh Tuan - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial Federation of Labor; Nguyen Dinh Hoa - Director of the Provincial Tax Department.

Comrade Tran Quoc Chung spoke at the meeting.

According to the report of the leaders of Que Phong district, there are 11 enterprises licensed to exploit minerals, including placer gold, iron ore and construction stone. Of which, only 4 enterprises are organizing mineral exploitation activities at licensed mines. However, currently, illegal mineral exploitation is still taking place in Que Phong, especially organized and small-scale placer gold exploitation in Cam Muon commune. Particularly for licensed mining sites, in general, enterprises have complied with the provisions of the law on mineral exploitation, but not really seriously and fully. Tax arrears of enterprises are still common; environmental protection work during the mining process has not been focused on; labor safety and labor protection for workers have not been guaranteed... There are a number of enterprises licensed to exploit mines but have not been licensed to build mineral processing factories, but they still organize the construction of processing factories, leaving many consequences for the environment. Although the mining period has expired and the mines have been closed, the enterprises have not organized to restore the environment to its original state...

At the meeting, the monitoring delegation requested the People's Committee of Que Phong district to clarify the situation of alluvial gold mining in Quang Phong and Cam Muon; measures to handle a number of enterprises that are not aware of complying with the law on management and protection of mineral resources; the coordination relationship between levels, sectors and localities in the management and protection of mineral resources in the area as well as the implementation of obligations to the State of mineral mining enterprises. It is recommended that Que Phong district continue to strengthen State management of mineral activities in the area, especially unlicensed minerals that have been decentralized to the district. Pay more attention to leadership, direction, and enhance the responsibility of the commune level, in order to rectify and stabilize the situation in mineral exploitation in the area. Take measures to urge enterprises to fully perform their obligations to the State, such as paying taxes, implementing environmental protection measures during the exploitation process and restoring the environment after exploitation...

Minh Chi