Gold bandits return to the protective forest
Vinh O mountainous commune (Vinh Linh district) is surrounded by protective forests, many years ago this place was a hot spot for illegal gold mining activities. In particular, speculation about "gold winning" in deep tunnel in the forest has made many subjects from Thai Nguyen, Quang Nam and local people attract more. They dug tunnels, built houses, and created bustling golden gathering places in a peaceful forest.
Although there have been many sweeps in previous years, in 2024-2025, when gold prices increased, illegal gold mining broke out strongly. Although reports from local authorities confirmed regular patrols and inspections, according to sources reflecting to Lao Dong Newspaper, gold bandits are still more muddy and dangerous than before, as chemicals used to treat gold are threatening the source of domestic water for people.
To get to Vinh O, there is only one only road, many places do not have phone signal. Because the source did not specify the location, the group of reporters was forced to dig in villages 3, 4 and some sub-regions near the center of Vinh O, but did not detect any signs of abnormality. On an afternoon in early April, when returning from a trip through the forest to find gold bandits, passing through Khe De area (Cay Tam village, Vinh O commune), we discovered that the stream water was unusually cloudy.
And the next day, we returned to Khe De, strolled along the stream and discovered a branch of the stream that was dry, with only flowing water, but with many layers of mud. Moving along a small stream winding around the cague, crossing a lot of dusty forest, we discovered the sound of an explosive engine in front. In places without phone signal, electricity and roads, the sound of an explosive is highly likely for gold mines. Following the trails on the hillsides, the forest trees and climbing ropes are dense, limiting visibility. Luckily, we discovered ice pipes in the middle of the forest, and when they were formed, we discovered that the camps were covered with tarpaulins. Following in this area, new mines only start illegal gold mining machines around noon, late afternoon and night. In just one alley within a radius of about 1km, over 20 camps have been built.
Facing gold bandits
Among the camps that grew up in the canyons in the Khe De area, the camp in the middle was the largest with about 10 people participating in gold mining. After fully preparing our belongings, we decided to enter the above camp on April 9. Wearing hammocks, socks, hay hats and forest protection clothes, we followed the trail on the mountainside and turned down to the camping area in the middle.
At the time of arriving here, 6 men used hoes, shovels and carts to carry soil and rocks from the gold mine area out. Seeing the appearance of a person wearing a forest protection costume, the group continued to work, until we asked, then the detonator was turned off.
Taking the opportunity to check, we went straight to the area where the engine was left and saw a fairly large-scale gold excavation system in this shack. A large explosive with many oil containers was placed next to the deep golden tunnel. The gold mining process here is organized methodically. Soil and rocks are dug deep, ground, then poured into a chemical soaking tank to separate the gold. When the gold price was announced, the explosives were started simultaneously. However, to avoid detection, they often only let the device work at noon, afternoon or evening and use a sound reducer. Wastewater after the chemical soaking process will be filtered through a homemade system before being discharged into the environment, in order to erase traces.
In the camp area where we broke into, the group of people exploited the old gold mines. With experience, they dig deeper into the tunnel using "traps" of gold. However, checking around, we also discovered some locations where the forest was clearing and some locations were dug up to " dig" the new gold mine.
On the way from the above camp, we crossed another area and witnessed that every camp had an explosive device, water tanks covered with tarpaulins and accommodation for many people.
Request to destroy existing gold mines in the forest
After Lao Dong Newspaper published a series of investigative articles, the People's Committee of Quang Tri province issued urgent instructions. The Department of Agriculture and Environment, the People's Committee of Vinh Linh district and other functional forces quickly took action. The Forest Management Board coordinated with Vinh O Commune Police to demolish dozens of camps, set up 3 forest protection posts at hot spots and trace the subjects behind.
Through investigation, the authorities identified many gold mine owners as local people in Ben Quan town, Vinh Ha commune, Vinh Long commune (both in Vinh Linh district). In addition, the scene also discovered water tanks suspected of containing strange chemicals. Worried about the risk of water pollution, the province has requested specialized units to participate in the inspection.
Mr. Ho Xuan home, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Tri province, said that there are currently 9 illegal gold mines in the protective forest. However, due to lack of means and access conditions, the authorities have not been able to survey the entire level of danger. He proposed that the Provincial People's Committee direct the Provincial Military Command to coordinate with specialized units to develop a plan to demolish the entire mine to end this situation.
In response to Lao Dong Newspaper's reflection and the persistent illegal gold mining situation causing many consequences, in addition to requesting clarification of the responsibilities of related units, Mr. Hoang Nam - Acting Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Tri province requested the development of a thorough handling plan from demolishing the camp, confiscating machinery, to collapsing existing mines in Vinh O forest.
When the tunnel collapsed, the camp was cleared and the patrol routes were maintained effectively, the illegal "golden line" between the protective forests was truly cut off.
