Quang Ngai: Tightening mineral exploitation

To avoid the situation of mineral prices increasing, illegal exploitation, and exceeding reserves, Quang Ngai province has directed units to strictly manage and take responsibility if illegal exploitation continues for a long time and delays in handling.

Quang Ngai strengthens management and protection of minerals in the province.

To continue to strictly manage mining activities and prevent illegal mining, Quang Ngai authorities coordinate with localities to monitor activities.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Ngai province, minerals bring large revenue to the budget, but if not strictly controlled, mining activities will cause consequences for the environment and society.

In recent times, local authorities have been proactive in inspecting and supervising, especially promoting the community’s supervisory role in mineral exploitation activities. Thereby, contributing to ensuring effective and transparent mineral exploitation activities.

Quang Ngai province currently has more than 70 mineral mines for common construction materials, with a reserve of more than 73,000 m3 still in effect; including 28 stone mines, 7 sand mines, 27 hill mines; the rest are soil, sand, and stone mines designated for construction works and projects.

In 2 years (2023 - 2024), the province will organize auctions of mineral exploitation rights for construction materials for 10 sand mines (with reserves of nearly 1.9 million m3); 13 soil mines (nearly 6.7 million m3); 1 split stone mine and 1 dredged sea sand mine.

Most licensed enterprises operating in the field of mineral exploitation comply with legal regulations during their operations, from installing weighing stations and surveillance cameras to organizing mineral exploitation and transportation;...

Regarding this issue, Chairman of Quang Ngai Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Hoang Giang requested the People's Committees of communes, wards and Ly Son special economic zone to seriously implement plans to protect unexploited minerals; arrange forces to be on duty 24/7, and set up a hotline to promptly receive and handle information about violations.

Upon discovery or receipt of information, local authorities must promptly clear and prevent illegal mining activities.

The Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Ngai province also stated: The Chairman of the People's Committee of the commune, ward, and special zone is responsible to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee when illegal mineral exploitation occurs in the area without focusing on handling it or letting it continue for a long time, or when receiving information reflecting a request to handle ongoing illegal activities but intentionally delaying and failing to promptly carry out the task.

“Direct the communal police force to coordinate with other forces to strictly and thoroughly handle illegal mining sites; strictly manage people, vehicles, and equipment at risk of being exploited to exploit, gather, and process minerals against regulations,” the Chairman of the Quang Ngai Provincial People's Committee directed.

Regarding licensed units, Chairman of Quang Ngai Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Hoang Giang requested commune-level authorities to fully perform their management responsibilities, regularly inspect and supervise exploitation; strictly handle violations, suspend operations when violations are detected and urge enterprises to make environmental restoration and environmental protection deposits in accordance with regulations.

The Department of Construction shall preside over and coordinate with the Department of Agriculture and Environment and relevant units to review, advise on planning, and grant licenses for gathering and trading of minerals; and strictly control the supply and demand of sand and gravel to limit supply shortages and push prices up.

The provincial police are assigned to play a key role in preventing and combating crimes related to minerals; directing the police of communes, wards and special zones to coordinate in inspecting and supervising mineral exploitation, transportation and gathering activities in the area; proactively grasping the situation, promptly handling violations, and preventing hot spots from arising.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/quang-ngai-siet-chat-tinh-trang-khai-thac-khoang-san-d338343.html