VietNamNet Bridge – A local gold-mining company is being investigated for failing to restore the environment to its original condition, as required by law, after completing its operations.

An inspection team from Lao Cai last Thursday visited the site of operations by the Ecotech gold-mining company in Van Ban District in northern province of Lao Cai after receiving a report about company violations.

According to the Lao Cai Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Ecotech has not restored the surrounding environment to its previous condition.

In addition, the company is alleged to have mined for gold in Nam Xe Commune without receiving permission from provincial authorities.

The department added that the company was issued with a mining licence in 2010 covering the communes of Hoa Mac, Duong Quy, Minh Luong and Son Thuy.

The provincial People's Committee froze the company's mining activities in May.

Doan Van Huong, deputy chairman of the provincial People's Committee, said the province would severely punish any violations as soon as it received the final report from the inspection team.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News