Provinces ordered to inspect coal mines

HA NOI — Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has ordered nine provinces and cities to increase inspections on coal mining in a bid to crackdown on illegal coal mines in the area.

The localities include Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Nam Dinh, Nghe An, Quang Ninh, Thai Binh and Thanh Hoa.

Hai said the business licences of those committing serious violations will be revoked, especially for those making serious breaches in rules on labour safety and environmental protection or those illegally transporting, processing and trading coal.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has been assigned to quickly submit to the Government information on the location of coal seams to help in the issue of coal mining licences by provincial People's Committees.

In addition, Hai also required the Ministry of Industry and Trade to add coal to the list of commodities for trading under special terms and conditions.

Statistics from northern Quang Ninh Province's Police Department recorded 520 illegal coal mines that have had their operations suspended, while police officers also seized about 20,000 tonnes of coal and fined 296 suspects, with these fines totalling over VND1 billion (US$48,000). — VNS