VietNamNet Bridge – Illegal gold exploitation has caused serious pollution along the Dak Rong River in the central province of Quang Tri.

According to Dak Rong District Police, dozens of companies have been exploiting gold in the district, but only five have licences. One mineral exploitation company in the district was granted a licence by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, while the other four have been licensed by the provincial People's Committee.

"Local police have tried to fine and stop unlicensed companies mining in the area but they continue to repeat their violations," said Ho Quang Than, head of the district police.

And the licensed companies were also discharging waste water into the river from which 90 per cent of residents in the district obtained their water, he said.

Mineral Joint-stock Company No 4 had also been drilling late in the day disturbing local residents – a flagrant violation of its licence, he added.

The Mineral Joint-stock Company No 4 and the Bach Dang Construction Joint-stock Company often hire local residents to illegally exploit gold in the area. Most of those are ethnic Pa Co and Van Kieu. "[They are poor] which means they are easily taken advantage of," Than said.

"The areas where gold is illegally exploited are also hot spots for heroin trafficking and gambling," he added.

Last month the district police clamped down on mining in A Vao and Pa Tang communes. Police confiscated explosives and six drilling machines.

This month police would carry out further raids in A Bung, A Vao, Ta Rut and Ta Long communes, Than said.

The police have also given local people's committees details of those firms that are breaking the law.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News