Illegal coal mining continues in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, affecting the lives of residents and depleting natural resources.

Speaking with DTiNews, Le Tri Phuc, Head of Inspection Board from the Vietnam Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin), said, “After the illegal coal mining cases in Hoanh Bo District, since early this year, this situation has been seen in Cao Xanh, Ha Khanh and Cao Thang wards of Ha Long City. The group is cooperating with local agencies to deal with the violations.”

The mining has damaged a number of houses in Cao Xanh Ward, and eletric poles in Ha Khanh Ward.

Vinacomin and Ha Long City’s authorities recently caught three illegal coal mines in Cao Thang Ward.

Photos of illegal coal mining in Cao Thang Ward:

The windy road to illegal coal mine

Authorities gather to bust an illegitimate mine

Coal mine

Excavator at work

Tools of the illegal trade

Rotten bamboo and wood beams for support

An illegal coal mine bust

Leveling a mine

Ha Long has a number of these illegal operations