The mining region in spring.

The northern localities of Thai Nguyen province have long been known as a land rich in mineral resources. Iron, lead, and zinc mines in Cho Don commune, and ore veins deep within the mountains of Ngan Son, Yen Binh, and Van Lang communes, have been the livelihoods of generations. Every spring, the mining region takes on a new appearance.

Workers at Bac Kan Mineral Joint Stock Company start their shift.

The road from the old Bac Kan city to Cho Don commune winds more gently in the early days of the year under the spring sun. On both sides of the road, orange and tangerine orchards are laden with fruit, which the villagers are busily harvesting. On the concrete roads connecting villages and hamlets in Cho Don commune, the national flag flies proudly in front of houses, its red color standing out against the green of the vast forest.

In the warm stilt houses, people joyfully welcome the spring. Carefully wrapped banh chung, banh khao, and banh giay cakes seem to encapsulate the essence of spring in every banana leaf and every grain of sticky rice.

In the mining areas of Cho Don and Ngan Son, the pace of work is more hectic in the early days of spring. The sounds of engines and ore transport vehicles echo regularly through the mountains and forests.

Under the dim lights of the active inclined mine shafts in Cho Don commune, the faces of the miners, stained with coal dust, radiate a unique joy. For them, spring is not only a time for rest after a year of hard work, but also a milestone to reflect on their enduring journey connected to the earth.

During his break at the end of his shift, Mr. Duong Van Nghiep, residing in Ban Dieu village, Cho Don commune, shared: "This year, processing output is stable, the income of the workers is also better, and we even received a one-month salary bonus at the end of the year. Everyone is happy. We only hope for safe work and good health for our families in the new year."

Underground mining operations of Bac Kan Mineral Joint Stock Company.

Amidst what seems to be nothing but rocks and ore, there still exist "silent springs." These are the workers' faith in their work, their enduring connection to the land that has sustained generations. After each shift, they return home, becoming simple husbands and fathers, cleaning and decorating their houses with their wives and children, celebrating the arrival of spring.

Besides bringing economic value, the mining industry has also contributed to changing the face of many rural areas in northern Thai Nguyen. In mining communes such as Ngan Son, Bang Van, Thuong Quan, etc., new residential areas have formed at the foot of the mountains, with solidly built houses and the national power grid illuminating the villages.

Schools and health centers have been invested in comprehensively, creating conditions for people to access essential services. The material and spiritual lives of the people have been gradually improved. Besides working at the mine, many households also develop farming, livestock breeding, and small-scale trading to increase their income. Lush green vegetable plots by the house, and healthy buffaloes and cows grazing on the hillsides are clear evidence of the transformation of this mining area.

According to local leaders, alongside production development, mining enterprises and authorities at all levels always prioritize ensuring social welfare and protecting the ecological environment. Tree planting and environmental restoration activities after mining are implemented in parallel with improving the lives of the people.

Lead and zinc processing activities at Hoang Nam Trading & Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Cho Don commune).

Comrade Nong Binh Cuong, Secretary of Ngan Son commune, affirmed: The locality has determined that economic development must go hand in hand with environmental protection and preservation of local culture. Along with that, the people are actively improving their lives, participating in building new rural areas, and celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year) in a joyful and safe manner.

While labor brings sustenance, traditional culture is the lifeblood that nourishes the souls of the people in the mining region. Every spring, the New Year's festivals resound throughout the villages of Cho Don and Ngan Son. The sounds of the zither, the folk songs, the sli and luon dances rise gently through the mountain forests, blending with the indigo hues of traditional clothing, the pale pink of peach blossoms, and the pristine white of plum blossoms.

That spring scene is further enhanced by the vibrant traditional costumes of the Tay, Nung, Dao, and Mong ethnic groups, as if bringing the colors of the mountains into the throngs of festival-goers. Folk games such as throwing the ball, tug-of-war, kite flying, and spinning tops are not only a source of joy during Tet but also a strong bond connecting the community, preserving the essence of culture amidst modern life.

After a year of hard work, spring is a time for people to come closer together, to preserve and pass on traditional cultural values. On this land once marked by the footsteps of miners, today the laughter of a warm and prosperous spring resounds.

As evening falls over the mining region, the spring sunlight dances on the stilt houses in Cho Don, Ngan Son, Van Lang, and Yen Binh; the sounds of children playing, the melodious sound of the Hmong flute… all blend into a gentle symphony welcoming the new spring. Another journey begins in the northern mining region of the province, where every sprouting branch, every widening road, carries the hope for a sustainable, prosperous, and happy future.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202602/dat-mo-vao-xuan-89175a8/