LookAtVietnam – Protective forest coverage in the central province of Binh Dinh is at risk of being wiped out by titanium mining in the province.

A worker controls titanium processing machine. Mining titanium is threatening protective forest coverage in central coastal provinces.

They have also left pits 20-30m deep which could also facilitate the encroachment of seawater, and the dust caused by the mine operations has fouled groundwater and destroyed crops. Heavy trucks used by the mining companies have also damaged local roads.

The environmental damage has angered many residents of the province, many of whom have lodged complaints claiming the mining has affected their living standards.

“We planted these poplars in 1977,” said Dinh Thi Mai, a resident of Phu My District. “At that time, everyone over 18 years of age had to join in a campaign to plant protective forests, and we planted more than 300 trees. For many years, these trees have helped protect us from strong winds and dust, but now they have been cut down to serve the interests of titanium miners.”

“Although businesses committed to take measures to protect the environment and replant trees … many have ignored their commitment,” said Dinh Van Tien, deputy director of the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

They also committed to control dust and provide irrigation water for farmers, but failed to even undertake feasibility studies, Tien said. “The replanting of trees is costly so not many businesses want to do it without being forced.”

Department director Tran Thai Nga said the department had reported the situation to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and urged businesses to take measures to prevent pollution.

Businesses which failed to replant trees or take environmental protection measures would face licence revocation, Nga said, adding that there were 14 licensed mining operations in Phu My and Phu Cat districts.

Binh Dinh has estimated reserves of more than 10 tonnes of titanium, according to the department.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News