Causes of illegal gold mining recurrence in Tra Bong

Illegal alluvial gold mining is widespread in the mountainous areas of Tra Bong district, Quang Ngai province. Tra Bong district is continuing to implement measures to prevent illegal gold mining.

Between December 15, 2023, and June 22, 2024, the Tra Bong District Police (Quang Ngai province), in coordination with specialized agencies and local authorities, organized six raids to crack down on illegal gold mining.

In June 2024, the Tra Bong District Police, in coordination with the Tra Binh Commune Police, successfully dismantled an illegal gold mining operation on Ho Du Hill (Binh Tan Hamlet, Tra Binh Commune, Tra Bong District). Prior to that, in January 2024, the Tra Thanh Commune Police patrolled and raided an illegal gold mining site in Suoi Lat (Go Hamlet, Tra Thanh Commune).

An illegal gold mine on Ho Du hill (Binh Tan village, Tra Binh commune, Tra Bong district). Photo: Tra Bong Police.

According to Ho Van Thinh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tra Bong District, due to the rugged mountainous terrain, many individuals fled into the deep forest, making them impossible to apprehend, or ceased their logging activities, leaving only their equipment at the scene. The Tra Bong District Police have forwarded the case files to the Chairman of the People's Committee to issue administrative penalties against two individuals.

Verification revealed that the recurring illegal gold mining is due to the lack of stable employment and low income among local residents, as well as limited awareness of resource and environmental protection.

Furthermore, some local Party committees and authorities have not been sufficiently decisive in dealing with illegal gold miners who are from outside the area. On the other hand, these individuals often take advantage of the rugged, inaccessible mountainous terrain, deep within protected forests, far from residential areas, and with little traffic to carry out clandestine gold mining. Therefore, it is predicted that some individuals may continue their activities in the future.

A makeshift camp was discovered in an illegal gold mining area on Ho Du hill (Binh Tan village, Tra Binh commune, Tra Bong district). Photo: Tra Bong Police.

According to Mr. Ho Van Thinh, in the coming time, military forces, police, and militia will continue to conduct raids, patrols, and suppression efforts to prevent the spread of illegal gold mining into hotspots. In addition, they will organize propaganda and awareness campaigns to help people understand the harm and dangers caused by the negative impacts of illegal gold mining.

NGUYEN TRANG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nguyen-nhan-tai-dien-khai-thac-vang-trai-phep-o-tra-bong-post747393.html