Laos to crack down on illegal mineral extraction
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The government is planning to take action against illegal mineral extractions in Paek district in northern Xieng Khuang province.
A resident from the district voiced concern through the National Assembly (NA) session hotline in regard to the environmental danger the extractions have caused.
The resident said villagers did not dare to use the water along the river, adding that chemical substances were being used in mineral extractions upstream. Following an inspection, Minister of Energy and Mines Soulivong Daravong told a press conference at the closing of the session that the extractions were illegal.
Despite the fact that the area where the mining was reported being within the concession area given to Phu Bia Mining company, Soulivong said the government had not permitted any party to carry out extraction activities.
“I confirm that the government has not yet permitted any party, including Phu Bia Mining, to carry out mineral extraction in the area,” he told the conference.
Soulivong said illegal mineral extractions had been uncovered in the province from time to time and despite the government taking action to address the issue, it was still an ongoing problem.
He thanked the resident for bringing this issue to the government’s attention and assured them that his ministry would work with relevant sectors to address the issue.
Illegal and unregulated small-scale extractions triggering environmental concern have occurred several times over the past few years.
Officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mines said it was common practice for local people to extract minerals such as gold from rivers using cyanide without proper knowledge of how to use it safely.
Investors who were granted permission to excavate sand and rocks along the river for construction purposes were reportedly extracting minerals illegally and had covered it up with their authorised excavation.
In an NA session held in July last year, the government was asked to formulate regulation to govern small-scale mining and mineral extraction projects.
