Police discover a barge conducting illegal sand mining on Thu Bồn River in central Quảng Nam Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Sơn

QUẢNG NAM — Deputy Prime Minister Trương Hoà Bình has asked the People’s Committee of central Quảng Nam Province to take tough action against illegal sand mining, which has become common in the province.

The chairman of the provincial People's Committee has been asked to tighten control over the management and inspection of sand mining activities in the province. Violators must be deterred and leaders of relevant authorities and localities where violations were found must take responsibility.

The request was made after local press reported rampant illegal sand mining in the province.

Since early this year, nearly 660 violations have been reported with total fines of more than VNĐ12 billion (US$516,000) and 4,680 cubic metres of sand seized. Two of the cases were handled through legal proceedings.

As many as 29 sand mining firms have been licensed to carry out mining activities on Vu Gia – Thu Bồn River.  VNS