The majestic mountains of Quy Hop District, Nghe An Province, are being devastated by excessive mining.

Mineral mining activities were started in the 1990s in the mountainous district of Quy Hop. However, most people who joined to mine ore, tin and stone here came from outside of the area.

The excessive mining has deformed the once serene environment and mountains.

In 1997, a white stone mine built jointly by Vietnam and Japan was put in operation in Chau Cuong Commune, Quy Hop District, Nghe An Province, sparking a mining rush as the operations and output of the mine began spreading rapidly.

In early 2000, white stone mining activity increased even more, playing an important role in the mineral mining industry of Quy Hop District.

At the end of 2009, Quy Hop District was home to 135 enterprises engaged in mining white stone. Among these, 83 companies were processing stone.

White stone mining brings many economic benefits to locals but it comes with a heavy price. It has devastated the environment and water sources while affecting the health and well-being of labourers.

A view of the mountains in Nghe An:

Stone mining in Lien Hop Commune

Deformed mountains in Chau Loc Commune



Mining granite near the provincial road 532, Tho Hop Commune

White stone mined in Thung Con, Chau Quang Commune



Mountains in Pieng To Village, Chau Hong Commune face the same fate



A mountain in Tham Village, Chau Cuong Commune

Quy Hop District’s environment is being devastated due to excessive white stone mining