Vietnam Authorities Find Illegal Gold Processing Equipment in Rented House

Authorities in Sông Hinh commune, Dak Lak province, have uncovered a clandestine operation involving illegal gold processing within a rented house in Buôn Dành village. The discovery was made on June 8, when local officials inspected the property and found machinery typically used for gold extraction and refinement, including grinding mills and blowtorches.

The homeowner, identified as Mr. N.Đ.H., told authorities that he had rented the house to individuals he believed were using it for sugarcane cultivation. He expressed ignorance of their actual activities, attributing his lack of oversight to a busy schedule. "I rented the house to these people but didn't know what they were doing. I also have a lot of work, so I didn't pay attention to their activities. That's why this incident happened today," he stated.

“

I rented the house to these people but didn't know what they were doing. I also have a lot of work, so I didn't pay attention to their activities. That's why this incident happened today.

This discovery is not an isolated event. At the end of April, a similar inspection in Buôn Ly village, also within Sông Hinh commune, revealed signs of illegal gold mining in a sugarcane field. Authorities confiscated equipment such as generators, pumps, and excavators. Despite administrative actions taken against the landowner, reports indicate that illegal gold mining activities may still be ongoing in the area.

On the evening of June 6, journalists observed about 10 individuals, reportedly from outside the local area, engaged in digging and operating machinery in deep pits within a sugarcane field. The excavated soil was being bagged and transported away. Those present claimed to be hired laborers and denied knowledge of the operation's masterminds. The Sông Hinh commune police and other relevant authorities are continuing their investigation into both the mining and processing operations.

“

Through the items and the scene at the house, there are signs of violation. However, determining the specifics must await the conclusion of the investigation. We request a prompt report of the verification results for the Commune People's Committee to monitor and handle.