The battle to maintain peace in "K' Vàng"

Deep within the forest of hills 70, 71, 72, and 73 in Ma Bo village, Ta Nang commune, Lam Dong province (local authorities and residents often call it the K' Vang area), tunnels dug by illegal gold miners create a silent "cut" into the resource.

The hilly area belongs to Ma Bo village, Ta Nang commune.

Determined to restore order, the Party Committee and local government of Ta Nang commune are implementing strong measures to crack down on and strictly punish violations, maintaining peace in the "K' Vang" area.

"Gold thieves " infiltrate the green forests.

These individuals have been exploiting the rugged terrain and employing sophisticated methods to illegally mine gold for many years.

Illegal gold mining is a complex issue, hidden deep within the forests of sub-areas 356 and 357 in hills 70, 71, 72, and 73 of Ma Bo village, Ta Nang commune (also known as the "K' Gold" area).

The tunnels were dug haphazardly in many locations deep in the forest.

Taking advantage of the rugged terrain and wild forests, these individuals set up camps, dug tunnels, and excavated mountains to search for gold. This not only leads to resource depletion, landscape deformation, and the risk of landslides, but also leaves serious consequences for the ecological environment, public order, and the lives of local people.

The perpetrators typically operate in small groups, stationing lookouts at a distance and taking advantage of the cover of darkness or bad weather to transport machinery and fuel into the forest. When detected by authorities, the perpetrators immediately flee, leaving behind a chaotic scene. Dozens of tunnels dug deep into the mountainside demonstrate the severity of the environmental damage.

Recently, authorities have prosecuted two cases and arrested individuals involved in organizing illegal mining in this area. However, this situation continues.

Authorities crack down on illegal gold miners.

The illegal gold mining area in Ma Bo, Ta Nang commune, was previously licensed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment ) to Lam Dong Gemstone and Gold Joint Stock Company for exploration and exploitation since 2008.

In 2022, the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee approved the investment plan and the investor for this enterprise to implement the project of exploiting and processing primary gold ore on an area of ​​nearly 12.5 hectares, with an operating period of 8 years. According to the adjusted decision dated May 8, 2025, of the Provincial People's Committee, the enterprise must complete procedures regarding land, construction of environmental protection systems, obtain environmental permits, and put the project into operation by the end of March this year. However, to date, many important items and legal procedures have not yet been completed.

This delay created a "gap" in mineral resource management. Many individuals took advantage of this opportunity, brazenly organizing illegal gold mining, putting immense pressure on local authorities in their state management and maintaining security and order in the area.

Illegal gold mining camp

Illegal gold mining operation busted.

Scene of the incident

Machinery used for illegal gold mining.

Inside the illegal gold mining camps and the arrests of the suspects by law enforcement (Image provided by law enforcement).

Violent crackdown

In response to this situation, to prevent illegal gold mining from running rampant, crackdowns were carried out urgently and decisively. Heads of Party committees and local authorities directly went to the scene, participating in patrols and inspections day and night. Law enforcement officers continuously monitored the forests, thoroughly eradicating illegal activities, resolutely preventing and severely punishing violations.

The Party Secretary and Chairman of the People's Committee of Ta Nang commune presided over a meeting to deploy tasks at the control point.

Long, hours-long patrols through the jungle, traversing steep and dangerous terrain, have become a regular task for the local authorities.

With unwavering determination, the task forces not only raided and dismantled makeshift camps, but also organized the destruction of machinery and equipment used in illegal mining activities to prevent the recurrence of violations.

Captain Tou Prong Ya Khoi, of the Ta Nang Commune Police, shared: “The patrol team is divided into shifts, on duty day and night, coordinating well with military forces to stay in the forests and mountains. The principle is to thoroughly address the issue and prevent illegal gold mining activities in the area.”

Authorities are patrolling and monitoring the hilly areas in sub-districts 356 and 357 of Ma Bo village, Ta Nang commune.

Ta Nang commune has a total area of ​​over 25,800 hectares, of which approximately 16,600 hectares are forest and forestry land, accounting for more than 79% of its natural area. This area has a rich forest ecosystem, playing an important role in environmental protection and livelihood development for the local people.

However, the situation of illegal mining is becoming increasingly complex, putting great pressure on resource management and forest protection.

In response to this situation, the Ta Nang Commune Party Committee issued a specialized resolution to strengthen leadership and guidance in managing, preventing, and addressing illegal mining and forestry activities; encroachment on forest land; and illegal land leveling in the area.

Machinery and equipment used for gold mining were left behind at the scene by the suspects.

The Standing Committee of the Party Committee and the People's Committee of the commune organized inspection and raid campaigns, discovering more than 120 pits and holes showing signs of clandestine gold mining; seizing, processing, and destroying many items such as generators, electric motors, power generators, winches, stone crushers, and many other tools.

Mr. Nguyen Vu Linh Sang, Chairman of the Ta Nang Commune People's Committee, said: "The local authorities have directed the police, military, and specialized departments to strengthen patrols and control in this area. As a result, many cases of illegal gold mining have been detected and dealt with; and many related exhibits and equipment have been seized."

According to Mr. Sang, mobile patrol teams have also been established to regularly conduct raids and minimize illegal mining activities in the area.

Local authorities seized numerous items and equipment used in illegal gold mining.

Local authorities are also strengthening coordination with relevant provincial agencies to investigate and resolutely handle those who lead and organize illegal exploitation, as well as those who abet or cover up such activities, in order to restore order and discipline.

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The Standing Committee of the Commune Party Committee will continue to strengthen leadership and guidance for the Commune People's Committee and functional forces to promote coordination in the management, inspection, and handling of illegal mineral exploitation.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Dien, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Ta Nang Commune.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Dien, Secretary of the Ta Nang Commune Party Committee, was present at the scene to directly supervise and handle the situation.

Preserving forests and natural resources also means preserving the environment and long-term livelihoods for the people. The fight against illegal gold mining in Ma Bo and Ta Nang is still fraught with difficulties. But with the determination of the Party committee and the government, and the coordinated efforts of functional forces, the "hotspot" of illegal gold mining is gradually being brought under control.

The patrol's footsteps continue silently traversing the forest day and night. It's not just a mission to hunt down illegal gold miners, but also an effort to preserve the forest's greenery, protect resources, and bring peace to the "K' Gold" area.

Authorities launched a crackdown on illegal gold mining activities.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/cuoc-chien-giu-binh-yen-noi-k-vang-444633.html