Suoi Thau iron mine: Photo: Ha Giang newspaper

In 2018, the authorities of Ha Giang province decided to close the mine because the mine explorer - An Khang Steel Joint Stock Company - did not complete related legal procedures and the mining license had expired. However, mining activities at the site were still observed by VietNamNet reporters in December 2020.

In document No.552 dated January 22, 2021, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh assigned the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to inspect the case, and deal with it in accordance with the provisions of the law on minerals and report the results to the Prime Minister.

Chairman of Ha Giang province Nguyen Van Son (5th from the right) inspects the scene on January 9. Photo: Ha Giang newspaper

Previously, on January 9, 2021, Ha Giang Province’s Chairman Nguyen Van Son and officials of the local Departments of Natural Resources and Environment, Finance, Agriculture and Rural Development made a field trip to the mining sites of An Khang Steel Joint Stock Company in Bac Me district. Besides the Suoi Thau iron mine, An Khang Steel JSC was licenced to explore several mines in Ha Giang.

Mr. Son asked relevant agencies to strictly inspect and manage to ensure that mining activities of An Khang Steel JSC do not violate the regulations of the licensed projects.

Ha Giang authorities asked An Khang to seriously complete related documents and procedures in accordance with the order and the provisions of law and to ensure that mining activities do not affect the lives of local people.

Ha Giang Chairman also asked An Khang to shut down mines with expired mining licenses.

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