Mining operations that do not install weighing stations and cameras will be suspended.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Quang Ngai province announced that it has issued a document requiring mining companies in the area to strictly comply with regulations on installing weighing stations and cameras in mining areas.

Accordingly, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Quang Ngai province requires mine owners to select locations for installing weighing stations that are suitable to the terrain and mining conditions of the mine, ensuring control over all raw minerals removed from the permitted mining area.

*After October 30th, Quang Ngai will suspend operations at mineral mines that have not completed the installation of weighing stations and surveillance cameras in the mining area.*

The type and size of the weighing scales installed at the weighing station must be selected to suit the scale, capacity, and technical infrastructure of the mine; the type of mine, the type of mineral extracted, and the type of mineral transport vehicle.

At the same time, businesses must also install surveillance cameras at storage facilities to store relevant information and data as required. Data from weighing stations and cameras must be stored continuously, with image data backed up for at least one year, to serve the purpose of periodic reporting on mineral exploitation activities and providing data for inspections and audits when requested, as required by regulations.

*The Ho Hoc soil mine does not have weighing stations or cameras installed. (Photo taken on September 6th)*

Furthermore, once the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Quang Ngai province completes the construction of the technical infrastructure to receive and operate the surveillance camera data management system, mine owners are required to connect the data transmission lines to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the Provincial Police, the Provincial Tax Department of Quang Ngai, and the People's Committees of the districts where the mineral mines are located for monitoring and management.

After October 30th, Quang Ngai will suspend operations, require the cessation of activities, and will not consider renewing licenses for mineral mines that have not completed the installation of weighing stations and surveillance cameras in the mining area.

Previously, Quang Ngai province repeatedly issued official documents requiring mineral mines and storage areas in the province to install monitoring equipment to ensure that mining, transportation, and trading activities comply with the regulations of Government Decree 23/2020/ND-CP, such as Official Document No. 1849/UBND-KTN, Official Document No. 4816/UBND-KTN, etc. However, in reality, most mineral mining operations in Quang Ngai province have "neglected" the regulations on installing weighing stations and surveillance cameras. This has inadvertently created loopholes for businesses to mine minerals exceeding their reserves, or even sell them illegally, causing resource depletion.

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