Deputy Chairman of Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee, Mr. Phan Trong Tan, recently signed a decision to impose an administrative fine on Mr. Ho Ngoc Hai, 45, residing in My Dinh 1 Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi, for illegal hot spring mining activities. This case has garnered significant attention due to its severity and the substantial fine.
Violation and Penalty
Mr. Ho Ngoc Hai illegally extracted 5,670 cubic meters of hot spring water without proper authorization from the competent authorities in Thanh Thuy District, Phu Tho Province. This constitutes a serious violation of mineral resource management laws.
A person fined over $25,000 for unauthorized hot spring mining – 1
Mr. Ho Ngoc Hai illegally extracted 5,670 cubic meters of hot spring water in Thanh Thuy, Phu Tho (Illustrative image: Tourism).
For this offense, Mr. Hai was fined VND 4 billion (approximately $170,000 USD). Additionally, the equipment used in the illegal activity, including jet pumps, four pipes, electrical wiring, and 8,144 meters of plastic piping, were confiscated. The supplementary penalties and the requirement to return the value of the seized assets amounted to over VND 6.177 billion (approximately $250,000 USD).
Environmental Remediation and Cost Recovery
Beyond monetary fines, the Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee also mandated Mr. Ho Ngoc Hai to implement environmental remediation measures in the affected area. He must also cover the costs of expert assessments, inspections, measurements, and verifications.
Notably, Mr. Hai is required to return over VND 2.17 billion (approximately $90,000 USD) equivalent to the value of the confiscated minerals. All fines must be paid into the provincial treasury account within 10 days of receiving the penalty decision.
Enforcement by Police Recommendation
The enforcement of this decision followed a recommendation from the Phu Tho Provincial Police after conducting an inspection and issuing a violation notice in mid-January. The Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee tasked the Thanh Thuy District People’s Committee with coordinating and supervising the implementation of the penalty.
Thanh Thuy’s Potential as a Hot Spring Tourism Destination
Thanh Thuy’s hot spring field, located in Phu Tho Province, was formed and developed along deep geological fault lines beneath the Red River. With an area exceeding 1 square kilometer, the average temperature ranges between 37-43°C, with some areas reaching up to 63°C. Due to its proximity to Hanoi, Thanh Thuy is increasingly becoming a popular hot spring tourist and resort destination in Northern Vietnam.
Conclusion
Unauthorized mineral extraction not only depletes natural resources but also severely impacts the environment. Strict penalties aim to deter and prevent similar future violations. Readers are encouraged to raise awareness about protecting national resources and adhering to the law to build a sustainable environment together.
For more detailed information, readers can refer to the original article here.
