VietNamNet Bridge - Mineral exploiters reap major benefits, but local residents living near the mines suffer as ore exploitation has negative consequences.

On June 16, a red mud reservoir containing waste sludge from the titanium exploitation project of Tan Quang Cuong Company in Binh Thuan province broke down, leaving thousands of cubic meters of sludge flowing into residential quarters and the Nam Thuan tourism site.

At least three red mud reservoir incidents have happened since 2011, raising worries about the safety of mineral mining sites.

Experts say the waste mud from titanium exploitation is less hazardous than the red mud from bauxite exploitation, but it still harms the environment and people.

In Binh Thuan, titanium ore contains 60-65 percent of crude ilmenite. The ilmenite contains 95 percent of useful minerals and will be continued to be sifted at factories to collect refined ore (over 52 percent TiO2) and other ores.

Mineral exploiters reap major benefits, but local residents living near the mines suffer as ore exploitation has negative consequences.

The sludge from the waste discharged during the ilmenite mineral sifting is mostly clay sludge which contains toxic substances and heavy metals existing in crude ore. 

When the sludge flows into the environment, it will not be easy to clean the areas or collect sludge.

If the sludge reaches underground water, lakes and ponds, it will kill fish, shrimp and plants. The sludge will also harm people’s health. 

In many cases, titanium ore may contain radioactive materials like those in Ha Tinh and Quang Binh.

Mining projects are unpopular in all the localities where they are being implemented.

Lam Dong has an illegal mining site in Lat commune of Lac Duong district. On June 17, provincial authorities released a document requesting agencies to examine waste dumping grounds and sludge reservoirs and settle problems at exploitation sites.

On June 17, a government inspection team received citizens from Ha Thuong commune of Dai Tu district in Thai Nguyen province who complained that mineral exploitation and processing by Nui Phao Company had caused serious pollution.

Locals said they have to live in seriously polluted air as the dust from the exploitation site penetrates their houses. The noise affects people's sleep and the waste water has intruded into rice fields.

In March, 64 households sent a petition to Phap Luat Vietnam newspaper, complaining that RK Vietnam, a stone exploiter, had caused serious consequences to the environment and people’s health, and had put 1,000 people at risk of poverty again.