VietNamNet Bridge – Authorities on Saturday destroyed 10 tonnes of gold ore from the Bong Mieu gold mine that were handed over by Tam Lanh Commune residents in the central Quang Nam Province.

It was the first time the residents had handed over gold ore that had been illegally taken away from the mines. — Photo tuoitre.vn

It was the first time the residents had handed over gold ore that had been illegally taken away from the mines.

"Tam Lanh is the first locality in Quang Nam to urge people to hand over gold ore and not to mine gold illegally," Chairman of Tam Lanh Commune's People Committee Nguyen The Vinh said.

This movement was launched by local authorities to reduce environmental pollution in residential areas and the number of people illegally taking ores to pan for gold.

Tam Lanh Commune is considered a "hotspot" of illegal gold mining. About 200 local people – or 30 per cent of the population -- in the commune's Bong Mieu Hamlet search for gold ores in the mines.

Nguyen Thi Sau from Bong Mieu Hamlet said her family has been earning a living mainly by taking gold ore from Bong Mieu gold mine to pan for the yellow metal for almost five years. She makes VND150,000 to VND200,000 (US$7 – 9) per day.

During the campaign, she handed over more than 20 sacks of ore that her family had grabbed from the gold mines.

VNS