Hidden exploitation, sophisticated operations
The Department of Agriculture and Environment reported that Tan Gianh commune does not have licensed sand mines, but many boats still illegally dredge sand at night. Some subjects also take advantage of legal mines in Tuyen Hoa commune to illegally exploit in the border area. Although an inter-sectoral delegation has been established and patrols have been strengthened, the situation of violations has not been thoroughly handled.
The inspection results of the Department of Agriculture and Environment confirmed that the content reflected by Lao Dong Newspaper is true to reality. At the same time, the inspection team also recorded riverbank erosion in some locations. The cause is being further assessed, but it is not ruled out that it is related to near-shore sand mining activities.
After the press reflected and functional forces intervened, the situation of illegal mining has been curbed. However, the Department of Agriculture and Environment said that due to the large area and lack of patrol vehicles, the control work is not effective.
Resolutely close mines, no extension
From the reflection of Lao Dong Newspaper, Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee directed a comprehensive inspection. The Sub-Department of Geology and Minerals of the Central region also issued a document requesting the Department of Agriculture and Environment to report and handle the case. This agency proposed to review the business and use of sand and gravel of illegal origin, without invoices and documents as prescribed in Article 117 of Decree No. 193/2025/ND-CP of the Government.
Notably, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Tri province said that it will not consider extending the license for expired mines, and at the same time requested to close the mine according to regulations.
Son Ha Trading and Construction Co., Ltd. with a sand mining license expired from March 8, 2026 will be required to close the mine and not reissue the license. Regarding Tung Cat Co., Ltd., the police agency is continuing to investigate and clarify related acts after arresting two illegal sand mining vessels, including signs related to this enterprise.
Previously, on March 2, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Tri province issued a document requesting Toan Phat Trading Co., Ltd. and Mien Tay Co., Ltd. to close the mine because the mining license had expired. According to the dossier, Toan Phat Trading Co., Ltd. was licensed to exploit in the Bai Bai area (Tuyen Hoa commune) with an area of 1.7ha, reserves of more than 63,133m3, valid until November 26, 2025. Mien Tay Co., Ltd. was licensed in the same area with an area of 1.6ha, reserves of more than 63,132m3, valid until December 24, 2025. The Department of Agriculture and Environment requested businesses to develop a plan to close the mine, complete financial obligations for the volume exploited, and move all equipment out of the mine area.
Faced with the fact that illegal sand mining is still developing complicatedly, the Department of Agriculture and Environment proposed that the People's Committee of Quang Tri province direct departments, branches and People's Committees of communes to strengthen coordination, develop peak patrol and inspection plans, and strictly handle violations, not allowing the situation to prolong and cause public outrage. In particular, adjacent localities on the Gianh River line need to coordinate closely, not allowing subjects to take advantage of administrative boundaries to evade handling.
Resolutely revoking licenses, closing expired mines and tightening management is considered a necessary step to restore order in mineral exploitation activities, protect resources...
