"Linking mining with deep processing, and utilizing mineral resources in a harmonious way that balances conservation and sustainable development" is the orientation and goal of Son La province.
Therefore, the management of mineral resources, especially mining, licensing, and reserve assessment, is being directed and implemented decisively by the local authorities, with many specific solutions.
Son La province is strengthening the management of mineral resource exploitation in the area.
Son La province possesses relatively diverse and abundant mineral resources used as common construction materials, such as limestone, fill soil, artificial sand, river sand, etc., with over 160 mineral mines already planned by the province. In addition, 17 small, scattered mineral mines, transferred from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to the Provincial People's Committee for management, have been updated in the provincial planning.
All mining facilities must install surveillance camera systems, weighing stations, etc.
According to Mr. Dang Ngoc Hau, Vice Chairman of the Son La Provincial People's Committee, the locality has implemented many solutions to strengthen the management of mineral exploitation in recent times. These include requiring all mining facilities to install cameras and weighing stations, and ensuring all data is monitored monthly by the tax authorities during tax declaration and payment processes.
In addition, focus on addressing violations, such as exceeding the boundaries specified in the license or mining in violation of authorized methods. Secondly, failure to declare mining activities promptly, especially for salvaged minerals; or mining activities that negatively impact production output...
"In 2025, the province will focus on directing the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to re-evaluate all results of mineral resource management, especially the contents of commitments signed between units; preventing the exploitation of mineral resources that lead to losses of state budget, exceeding the permitted quantity, or exploitation that is not linked to disaster prevention and control, climate change adaptation and response, and environmental protection," said Mr. Dang Ngoc Hau.
All data is controlled through the tax authorities in the process of filing and paying monthly taxes.
According to the leaders of the Son La Provincial People's Committee, one of the important solutions to strengthen mineral resource management is the strict implementation of commitments made by the Chairmen of the People's Committees of districts and cities, and the holders of mineral exploitation licenses, to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee regarding the implementation of regulations on mineral exploitation, land use, and environmental protection.
Son La province has also directed specialized agencies to implement tasks to strengthen the management of mineral activities, comprehensively monitoring all areas of investment, land, minerals, environment, design, etc. Focusing on delineating areas where mineral activities are prohibited or temporarily prohibited; proposing measures to protect unexploited minerals; compiling and inventorying approved mineral reserves and reporting periodically as required; delineating areas with scattered, small-scale mineral deposits...
Signing a commitment to comply with regulations on mineral exploitation, land use, and environmental protection...
Regarding the organization of auctions for mineral exploitation rights, by the end of November 2024, auction plans had been issued and auctions had been organized for 45 mineral mines producing common construction materials under the licensing authority of provincial People's Committees. Of these, 27 mines had been auctioned, and nearly 16 billion VND had been collected from deposits. Simultaneously, 7 mineral exploitation licenses were granted; and 3 mine closure projects were implemented...