VietNamNet Bridge – Severe violations have been uncovered at 13 coal mining projects in the northern province of Quang Ninh, the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment reported.

Coal exploitation in Dong Trieu District, Quang Ninh Province. — Photo danviet.vn

Earlier, the provincial People’s Committee approved the projects, owned by Dong Bac Coal Corporation and local private enterprises, to collect coal that was unearthed following mining activities. By February 8, 315,000 tonnes of coal was collected from the 13 projects.

However, the local authority detected violations during the implementation of these projects, including construction deviating from the approved plan, failure to collect all the coal on the ground which led to the risk of landslides in the rainy season, failure to ensure tree planting on the mined ground and lack of financial transparency.

Nguyen Duc Long, chairman of Quang Ninh Province People’s Committee, said on Monday those responsible would be penalised, and asked district authorities to strengthen management of coal production and exploitation.

The provincial People’s Committee will also coordinate with the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment and other local agencies to rectify mistakes and halt operations of some projects.

Further, management offices will cooperate with inspectors to re-examine the licensing process for coal mining projects.

VNS