Strengthen inspection and timely handling of illegal mineral exploitation activities during Tet holiday

*The Department of Natural Resources and Environment requests that mineral enterprises operating in the province not buy, sell, transport, or consume minerals of illegal origin.*

According to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, illegal mineral exploitation subjects (sand, riverbed gravel, hill soil, clay, beach soil, sand, stone, etc.) often take advantage of the Tet holiday to operate to avoid detection, inspection and handling by functional agencies and authorities at all levels. Therefore, during the 2024 Tet holiday, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment requested the Provincial Police to direct the police force to increase patrols, inspections, closely coordinate, support the District People's Committees to prevent, arrest, and handle cases of illegal exploitation of sand, riverbed gravel, other illegal minerals and the purchase, sale, transportation, consumption, and storage of minerals of unknown origin. Coordinate with sectors in handling illegal mineral exploitation, arrange forces to participate in clearing and handling hotspots of illegal mineral exploitation activities in the province when directed by the Provincial People's Committee or proposed by the District People's Committee. Closely coordinate with People's Committees at all levels and sectors in the work of protecting unexploited minerals.

District People's Committees shall propagate and mobilize organizations and people to participate in detecting and preventing illegal mineral exploitation. Establish a standing force, set up a hotline, assign leaders and specialized staff in charge, ensure 24/7 communication, promptly handle or coordinate in handling illegal mineral exploitation activities in the area. Organize forces to clear and prevent illegal mineral exploitation activities immediately after detecting or receiving reports...

Enterprises operating in the mineral sector in the province must comply with the provisions of the law; not buy, sell, transport, consume, or store minerals of illegal origin...

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