The authorities in Son La Province revoked three licenses issued to the Tay Bac Minerals Investment JSC (KTB) for mining and processing minerals because of pollution.

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According to the authorities, the investor failed to deal with the pollution in 90 days as promised. As the result, KTB will be banned from exploiting the copper in the Van Sai-Suoi Chat area that spans Phu Yen, Moc Chau and Bac Yen districts.

KTB built a lake to store wastewater right beside the Da River and Hoa Binh Hydropower Reservoir. The untreated wastewater was released directly into the environment and there was also a risk of a dam break.

The authorities of Lai Chau Province also asked KTB to shut down the mine and restore the environment.

This is not the first time KTB was involved in a pollution case. KTB, formerly the Molybden Company, was given a permit for a gold mine in Dien Bien Province by the Department of Industry and Trade in 2010. The mining process severely damaged the surrounding environment and the company failed to restore the environment after their activities.

The company was declared bankrupt and nearly abandoned the mine which led to rampant gold theft. Since the water source was contaminated and locals lack water for both agricultural and daily activities.

In July 2017, Dien Bien People's Committee recovered the land and revoked the company's licence. It was also asked to move out all equipment within six months.

Dtinews