The Natural Resources and Environment Department of northern Tuyen Quang Province has refused to grant licenses for 13 mining companies and ordered 27 others to shut down in April.

A ship illegally mines sand in Dong Tho Commune, Tuyen Quang Province. Provincial authorities are trying to curb mineral exploitation.

The Natural Resources and Environment Department of northern Tuyen Quang Province has refused to grant licenses for 13 mining companies and ordered 27 others to shut down in April.

The move was taken in an attempt to bring the situation of illegal mining in the locality under control, the department said.

The department's inspectors seized six dredgers and three excavators, which were illegally operating in Son Duong District's Vinh Loi Commune and Tuyen Quang City's An Khang Commune.

Further, it was estimated that over 17.4 tonnes of lead and 34.5 tonnes of barite were seized at illegal mining sites in Cau Troi Village, Hop Hoa Commune, Thai Hoa Commune and Minh Dan Commune in April.

The local authority required mining companies to commit to obey regulations on mining, protect the environment and not negatively impact local people's lives.

In a related move, education to raise public awareness about the importance of land, mineral resources and the environment have been strengthened.

Findings from the department showed that the province now has about 200 mines, which contain large deposits of metals and minerals.