Reviewing the entire forest area
In response to Lao Dong Newspaper's reflection on the situation of gold bandits spreading in the protective forest of the old Vinh O commune (now Ben Quan commune, Quang Tri province), on July 16, the Economic Police Department of the Provincial Police, Ben Quan commune Police, the Ben Hai River Basin Protection Forest Management Board (forest owner) and the security forces of Ben Quan commune organized a search at many locations suspected of illegal gold mining activities in the protective forest, belonging to sub-zone 576. Here, the working group recorded 2 locations with tarpaulin camps, around which there were signs of excavated soil and rocks, with underpasses and water pipes.
However, at the time of inspection, no caregivers were found, nor equipment for mineral exploitation. The camps set up in the middle of the protective forest violated the provisions of the law and were dismantled. In addition, the forces discovered a generator in a gold mine, so they destroyed it.
Similar conditions were also discovered in many other places in the protective forests of Mi Xi stream, De stream, Tam stream and Tranh hill in Ben Quan commune. From July 7 to 15, the Ben Quan Commune Police and Forest Protection forces continuously searched dozens of locations with traces of illegal digging and camping. Some gold tunnels were dug 3-5m deep, with water pipes and tanks installed, but they were all left behind.
The working group affirmed that all the locations discovered were without people present, no more mining tools and all traces were old. However, the scale of the mines shows that these were once quite methodical and organized illegal gold mining sites.
The army surveys and prepares to destroy gold mines
On the morning of July 17, the military forces of the local defense area entered the protective forest of Ben Quan commune to survey the remaining gold mines. This is a preparation step for the plan to demolish illegal mines, according to the direction of the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai - Chairman of Ben Quan Commune People's Committee - said that the locality has organized a meeting with relevant forces to discuss a plan to effectively prevent gold thieves. While waiting for the plan to demolish the gold mines to be implemented, the working groups will organize checkpoints, twice a week for timely handling if signs of resumption of activity are detected.
"We have made a specific plan, synchronously coordinating between forces. Resolutely do not let illegal gold mining happen again in Ben Quan protective forest" - Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai emphasized.
Previously, since April 2025, Lao Dong Newspaper reported the situation of gold bandits digging mountains and tunnel digging to illegally mine gold on a large scale in the protective forest of Ben Quan commune. After the series of articles, the searches were stepped up, but the reality showed that old gold mines still exist, which are places with the potential risk of gold thieves returning.
According to the Ben Hai River Basin Protection Forest Management Board, to thoroughly handle the situation, it is necessary to destroy all the deep yellow mines in the forest, which have existed for many years. This is also the content that the People's Committee of Quang Tri province has directed relevant units to study the demolition plan, but it has not been implemented yet due to the need to assess safety and coordinate with many forces.
