The landscape of An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, now lies in ruins, with overgrown fields, barren soil, and numerous areas resembling bomb craters, as a result of exploitation by a clay mining company.

After the recent heavy rains, landslides have occurred in the area where the mining company once operated in An Chau Village. 

The rainwater has caused the land to collapse in chunks, with many sections deeply eroded, uprooting trees. 

In some places, the land has sunk to a depth of up to a meter, leaving behind large holes that resemble bomb craters.

An aerial view of an area in ruins in An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, following exploitation by a clay mining company. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

Nguyen Phan Bon, a resident of An Chau Village, said that local people have repeatedly raised concerns, but there has been no action plan for resolving the situation. 

“The land is no longer eroded, it’s gone," Bon explained. 

"There’s nothing that can be done once the land is gone.”

An aerial view of an area in ruins in An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, following exploitation by a clay mining company. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

He adds that residents have consistently spoken out about the land excavation, which has caused the loss of production land for dozens of households.

Although the company’s license expired and mining activities have ceased, the land reclamation remains incomplete.

Items to address include, crop compensation, residential roads restored, and addressing landslide prevention.

Large holes resemble bomb craters in An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, following exploitation by a clay mining company. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Da Nang responded to residents' complaints by noting that Hiep Dai Hung Company Limited was licensed by the municipal People’s Committee to mine the clay in An Chau Village until June 10, 2023.

After the license expired, the company submitted a proposal for mine closure to the department for appraisal. 

This proposal, currently under review, will form the basis for environmental restoration in the area once approved.

An area in ruins in An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, following exploitation by a clay mining company. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

While awaiting approval of the mine closure plan, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment issued an official directive on August 8, requesting the company to implement several measures to ensure safety in the mine area.

The department has instructed the company to reinforce the area to prevent further landslides, particularly near power grid works, and ensure safety during the storm season.

Large holes resemble bomb craters in An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, following exploitation by a clay mining company. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

The mining company is also responsible for the installation of warning signs to limit movement during hazardous conditions and having equipment available to address potential incidents. 

In the event of landslides or other safety risks, the company must promptly report to local authorities for immediate response.

Large holes that resemble bomb craters in An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, following exploitation by a clay mining company. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

Large holes that resemble bomb craters in An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, following exploitation by a clay mining company. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

Large holes that resemble bomb craters in An Chau Village in Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, central Vietnam, following exploitation by a clay mining company. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!