Pursue responsibility and prevent the 'gutting' of quartz ore resources
(Baonghean) - The long-term "gutting" of quartz ore - a valuable resource in the border commune of Thanh Son (Thanh Chuong) requires the responsibility of the organizations and individuals involved to be investigated; at the same time, strict management is needed to prevent this precious resource from continuing to "bleed".
Who is irresponsible for illegal quartz mining in border areas?
(Baonghean.vn) - Faced with the situation of illegal quartz mining, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the People's Committee of Thanh Chuong district have issued a document on the incident.
On June 5, 2019, Nghe An Electronic Newspaper reported that "mining bandits" were rampant in Nhan Can village, Thanh Son border commune (article "Nghe An: Illegal quartz ore "mine" raid in Vietnam - Laos border area”). On the same day, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment sent Document No. 3089/STNMT-KS to the People's Committee of Thanh Chuong district regarding the handling of illegal mineral exploitation in Thanh Son commune (this document was also sent to the Provincial People's Committee and relevant agencies).
In this document, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment requests the People's Committee of Thanh Chuong district to strengthen mineral management in the area and put an end to illegal mineral exploitation. At the same time, handle violations according to the provisions of law.
Also on June 5, 2019, Thanh Chuong District People's Committee issued urgent Document No. 852/UBND-TNMT to the District Police, Ngoc Lam Border Guard Station and Thanh Son Commune People's Committee to direct the handling of illegal mineral exploitation activities.
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| Minutes of the working group of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment made at the scene and urgent document of the People's Committee of Thach Chuong district directing agencies to handle illegal mineral activities in Thanh Son commune. Photo: PV |
With the People's Committee of Thanh Son commune, request to organize forces to clear and stop illegal mineral exploitation activities, restore the environment in the area where illegal exploitation occurred; temporarily detain and manage illegal mining and transportation vehicles pending settlement by competent authorities; organize meetings and review to clarify the responsibilities of relevant organizations and individuals in allowing illegal mineral exploitation activities to occur for a long time without being slow to handle, not handling thoroughly, not reporting the incident to the People's Committee of Thanh Chuong district for timely handling instructions...
With Ngoc Lam Border Guard Station, strengthen the inspection of people and vehicles operating in the border area. If any violations are detected, they will be handled according to the provisions of the law.
For the District Police, investigate, verify and advise on handling violations of organizations and individuals related to illegal mining activities, transportation and trading of minerals of illegal origin in Thanh Son commune according to the provisions of law.
At the same time, clarify the information reflected by Thanh Son Commune People's Committee that was reported to the District Police and the District Police came to inspect but was not completely handled.
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| Chairman of Thanh Son Commune People's Committee Lu Van Duong (right) studies the minutes before signing. Photo: PV |
As Nghe An Newspaper reported in the investigative report "Immobilized by quartz bandits” (Nghe An Daily newspaper, June 6, 2019), when asked about responsibility, the representative of the government and Thanh Son Commune Police said that they were “powerless”. And that they had reported to the superior agency about the illegal mining situation. Through verification, it was confirmed that the Thanh Son Commune government was not sincere.
The evidence is that this commune once reported to the People's Committee of Thanh Chuong district, in which it affirmed that it had conducted an inspection (December 26, 2018) but did not detect any illegal mineral exploitation activities (Document No. 107/BC-UBND.DC dated December 27, 2019 on the inspection and handling of cases of illegal mineral activities (white stone mining) in the commune).
However, it is necessary to clarify the reflection of Thanh Son Commune People's Committee that "it was reported to the District Police and the District Police came to inspect but it was not handled thoroughly" as directed by the District People's Committee. Because of this content, the authorities and Thanh Son Commune Police not only informed the reporters of Nghe An Newspaper, but also included it in the minutes made at the scene on June 4, 2019 by the Working Group of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, that is: "According to the report of Mr. Lo Van Mao - Head of the Commune Police - it was reported to the District Police (it was inspected) but it was not handled thoroughly".
In addition, it is necessary to consider the role of the border guard force in managing the border area of Thanh Son commune. Because with the extremely painful situation that has occurred, this force cannot stand outside of responsibility...
“According to the report of Mr. Lo Van Mao - Head of Commune Police - the District Police (inspected) reported but the matter was not resolved.”
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| Excavators used by mineral thieves to mine quartz ore. Photo: PV |
From this incident, in addition to investigating the responsibility to strictly handle related organizations and individuals according to the law, the competent authority needs to direct specialized agencies to survey and fully evaluate this precious resource. Survey not only in Thanh Son and Thanh Chuong communes but also in the entire Vietnam - Laos border area to strictly manage, not to let the "bleeding" of resources continue to occur!
