Risk prevention in mineral extraction

Thai Nguyen is a province rich in mineral resources in the Northern Midlands and mountainous region. In recent years, mining has continued to make a significant contribution to growth and budget revenue.

Entering 2026, with the initial enthusiasm for production at the start of the year, businesses have identified ensuring occupational safety and fire prevention as mandatory requirements, closely linked to sustainable development.

The Lung Cho 2 quarry in Quang Son commune strictly adheres to the procedures for managing and using explosives, ensuring safety in stone mining.

Proactively prevent and tightly control risks.

In the early days of 2026, at the Cho Dien Lead-Zinc Mine of Thai Nguyen Non-Ferrous Metals Joint Stock Company, production activities were carried out urgently but in strict compliance with safety regulations.

Before each shift, technical staff inspect the conditions inside the furnace, assess the working environment, and review the electrical and ventilation systems. If any safety risks are detected, the unit stops production to address them thoroughly.

The company invested in a high-capacity ventilation system, installed automatic methane monitoring equipment to warn when concentrations exceed permissible limits, and reinforced the mine tunnels with hydraulic steel supports to increase stability.

Equipment maintenance is carried out according to weekly and monthly plans; technical records are fully updated and available for inspection and verification when needed.

Mr. Hoang Trong Chinh, Deputy Manager of Mining Workshop 2, Bac Kan Non-Ferrous Metals Branch - TMC, said: "At the beginning of the new year, everyone hopes for smooth and safe production. Working in the mine has many inherent risks, but thanks to regular training, adequate protective equipment, and strict pre-shift checks, workers feel more secure and voluntarily comply with procedures to protect themselves and their colleagues."

Mr. Nguyen Van Hau, Deputy Director of Thai Nguyen Non-Ferrous Metals Joint Stock Company, informed: Last year, the company did not experience any serious fire or explosion incidents. Entering the new year, the company continues to consider investing in safety as a responsibility and a vital factor for survival.

100% of workers undergo safety checks and receive regular training on fire prevention, firefighting, and escape skills before entering the mine. The unit also maintains an internal self-inspection system, promptly addressing any issues that arise during production.

At Khanh Hoa Coal Company, the temperature and toxic gas monitoring system operates 24/7. High-risk areas are equipped with automatic warning devices; the on-site fire extinguishing system is always ready. The company has assigned safety personnel on duty in shifts to ensure quick response in case of any unusual situations.

Khanh Hoa Coal Company strictly maintains technical procedures and measures to ensure safety during coal mining operations.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Huan, Deputy Director of Khanh Hoa Coal Company, emphasized: "Even a small oversight can have major consequences. From the beginning of the year, the company has reviewed the entire electrical system, tightened control over fire and heat sources, and required workers to strictly adhere to safety regulations. Commitments to comply with regulations are signed with each production team and group."

Strengthen supervision and improve safety culture.

At the Pac Lang gold mine, managed by Truong Thinh Thai Nguyen Co., Ltd., fire prevention and control measures are implemented comprehensively. The mining area covers more than 80 hectares, with complex mountainous and forested terrain, posing a high risk of fire spread.

Mr. Hua Sy Nam, Director of the company, said: "The unit has developed plans that are appropriate to the actual situation and regularly coordinates with functional forces for drills. The explosives and fuel depots are strictly managed, equipped with lightning protection systems and standard firefighting equipment. The goal for 2026 is to prevent any fire or explosion incidents."

For open-pit quarries such as Lung Cho, Lan Dam 2, Dong Phu... in Quang Son commune, the drilling and blasting process is strictly implemented. Representatives of the units stated that they always notify the people of the blasting schedule, deploy security forces, and strictly control the amount of explosives; the storage and transportation of explosives are tracked and supervised by the authorities.

Mining equipment and machinery are inspected periodically to ensure they meet technical standards before being put into use.

From the beginning of the year, businesses have intensified efforts to promote a safety culture. Fire safety notices are posted in many locations; loudspeaker systems remind staff of regulations before each shift; and teams strictly adhere to locking and tagging procedures when maintaining equipment.

Workers are trained in the use of fire extinguishers, escape skills, and the procedures for working in environments with hazardous gases such as CH4 and CO. Many units include safety compliance criteria in their performance evaluations, considering it a basis for monthly awards.

The Lung Cho 2 quarry in Quang Son commune strictly adheres to the procedures for managing and using explosives, ensuring safety in stone mining.

Alongside the efforts of businesses, local authorities and law enforcement agencies have also stepped up inspections and supervision right from the first months of the year.

The People's Committee of Quang Sơn commune, in coordination with the fire prevention and rescue police force, conducts regular and unscheduled inspections; and requires mines to update their fire fighting plans and conduct risk assessments at the beginning of the year.

Inter-agency inspection teams focused on managing industrial explosives and electrical systems in production areas and worker camps; serious violations were dealt with if any irregularities were detected.

In reality, some small-scale mines still have inadequate investments in safety; and the compliance awareness of some workers remains low. This is an issue that needs to be addressed, linked to the responsibility of the head of the organization and strengthened post-inspection checks.

Entering the new year, the goal of increasing mining output remains linked to the requirement of ensuring absolute safety. The focus is on strengthening training and raising awareness among workers; investing in modern monitoring systems; maintaining regular inspections; strictly handling violations; and promoting coordination between enterprises and professional fire fighting forces.

When workers are fully aware of their responsibility to protect themselves and their colleagues, businesses prioritize safety, and the government maintains regular supervision, the mining industry in Thai Nguyen will develop sustainably.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/tai-nguyen-moi-truong/202602/phong-ngua-rui-ro-trong-khai-thac-khoang-san-f783292/