At the end of November, Lao Dong Newspaper published an article "People set up tents to cook, blocking the entrance to the copper mine in Lao Cai" reflecting that many households set up tents and cooked in front of the gate of the Ta Phoi copper mine in Hop Thanh commune to protest the land acquisition plan.
By December 26, after about a month of interruption, records at the scene showed that all tents had been dismantled, and people were no longer gathering at the entrance to the quarry. Thanks to that, workers and vehicles have returned to normal work.
The People's Committee of Hop Thanh commune said that from November 24 to December 24, a number of citizens in Lang Moi, Xeo Ta 2 and Phan Lan villages obstructed the mineral exploitation activities of Dong Ta Phoi Joint Stock Company, affecting security, order and production.
People's wishes focus on issues related to forest owner regulation 661, site clearance records and environmental impacts during business operations.
Up to now, after a process of actively propagating and mobilizing people to comply with legal regulations, and coordinating to remove obstacles, mineral exploitation has resumed operations.
Mr. Khuong Manh Tuan - Vice Chairman of Hop Thanh Commune People's Committee said: "For many days, the local government has been on duty at the scene to grasp the situation. Along with that, commune officials both propagated and mobilized people to dismantle the camp, without obstructing the operation of the copper mine. Up to now, the people have dispersed and returned home. Thereby creating conditions for the Provincial Working Group to dialogue, answer and resolve problems".
According to Mr. Tuan, the commune is still working, dialogue and propaganda with the people.
"The fact that people agree to dispers and limit gatherings is a positive signal, creating conditions for authorities to continue to dialogue and review recommendations objectively and in accordance with the law," said the Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hop Thanh commune.
On December 26, speaking with Lao Dong, Mr. Ngo Duc Luong - Head of the Organization - Administration Department (Dong Ta Phoi Company) confirmed the information that people had dismantled the camp and were no longer gathering in front of the bronze mine gate.
According to Mr. Luong, after 1 month of suspension, the company and contractors have arranged for staff and employees to take turns on leave. After the people were dispersed and returned home, hundreds of workers and laborers were able to return to work.
Some images recorded at the Ta Phoi copper mine on December 26:
