Informing Lao Dong Newspaper, people in Thanh Thinh Commune, Cho Moi District (Bac Kan) reported that for many years, during the operation, the sand and gravel beach in Na Dao village has allowed wastewater from the exploitation to flow into the river, posing a potential risk of pollution.
According to research, the sand and gravel mining project in Na Deo village was approved for investment by the People's Committee of Bac Kan province in 2017, implemented by Phuc Loc Company Limited. In April 2023, the project was transferred to Anh Minh Bac Joint Stock Company.
After adjustment, the total investment capital is over 2.9 billion VND, exploiting 7,000m3 of sand and gravel/year, adding an artificial sand production line of 2,140m3/year, with an extension period of 2 years and 2 months.
According to PV's records in March 2025, the above sand and gravel mining site is located right next to the Cau River bank, and activities are bustling.
Inside the exploitation site, machinery, conveyor belt and screening equipment are operating continuously. The roaring sound of the engine in the quiet space of the countryside.
The sandbanks here are piled up. Along the riverbank, there are still traces of hazy rocks and dirt, many places are covered with muddy water.
Near the Na Deo suspension bridge, the turbid water from the mining area flows straight into the river.
As a household living near the mining site, Mr. N.V.T said that the sand and gravel harvesting in Na Deo village has been going on for many years. Previously, the water of the Cau River flowing through this area was quite clear, but since the exploitation site came into operation, the water flow has often been cloudy, especially after days of continuous operation of machinery.
"Every time there is rain or on big fishing days, the water from the beach area flows out, very cloudy. We are very worried, we do not know what the impact will be in the long term," said Mr. T.
According to local people, the river water was sometimes cloudy but did not last long. Since the exploitation site was put into operation, this situation has become more obvious.
Local people are concerned that mud and sand from the muddy water will settle down, gradually causing the risk of changing the flow, affecting the alluvial plains and cultivated land along the river.
Talking with reporters, Talking with reporters of Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Ta Huu Thung - Chairman of Thanh Thinh Commune People's Committee said that there was a situation of wastewater flowing into the environment at the above sand and gravel beach.
Explaining the above situation, the commune leader said that the mining site used to have a hole next to the riverbank, but the flood has flattened. The unit operated at a low speed, and was not present at the scene at many times. Local authorities will receive feedback and check.
