This illegal gold mining site is located under the forest canopy in Suoi Chat village, Gia Phu commune. There is a tunnel about 500m deep that goes into the mountain.
This illegal gold mining site was just raided and arrested by Son La Provincial Police nearly 60 subjects on July 16.
At the scene, there are still lighting systems, electric wires, generators, ventilators, air compressors, gas pipes, etc. In addition, there are ore gathering equipment, 4 grinding machines, and a ore well.
According to the report of the People's Committee of Gia Phu commune, from mid-July 2025 to now, the local government has proactively coordinated with the Provincial Police to establish a Site Protection Team operating 24/7 .
At the same time, fencebacks and warning signs were erected at the points of violations, and legal propaganda was organized, and people were encouraged not to assist in illegal mining activities.
After inspecting the scene, Vice Chairman of Son La Provincial People's Committee Dang Ngoc Hau highly appreciated the spirit of determination in the participation of Gia Phu commune government and functional forces.
Vice Chairman of Son La Provincial People's Committee Dang Ngoc Hau emphasized that the situation of managing unexploited mineral resources in the area still has many potential risks, and needs more synchronous and regular coordination from all levels and sectors.
The authorities need to urgently move all the evidence to a safe place. Organize the closure of cave gates, propose regional planning and develop a plan to replant forests... Continue to investigate and strictly handle violations.
Previously, on the evening of July 15 and early morning of July 16, Son La Provincial Police mobilized 36 officers and soldiers to secretly cross the forest and wade through the stream all night to approach the illegal gold mining camp in Suoi Chat village, Gia Phu commune.
At the scene, the authorities caught 29 subjects illegally mining gold at the tunnel gate and the ore screening area; at the same time, controlled 29 other subjects who were resting in the hut after finishing their shift.
The evidence seized on the spot included 1,412 electrical explosions, 31kg of Ammoni explosives, 5 stone crushers, 1 ball crusher, 2 steppers, 4 pumps, 2 vibrators, 3 gold-plated metal bars, 1 set of heaters, 8.8 taels of gold metal (the subject claimed to be gold that has been mined), along with the arrest book and many other related evidences.
According to estimates, the amount of gold earned during the illegal operation period is about 4 billion VND. The case is being investigated and clarified by the Investigation Police Agency of Son La province according to the provisions of law.
