FLC persists with illegal sand mining for golf course

FLC Group has continued its illegal mining activities for its golf course project despite a warning from the local People's Committee in the coastal central province of Thanh Hoa.

The Ha Noi-based company, which specialises in tourism and services, received approval for sand mining from the People's Committee late May, but has yet to complete legal procedures to carry out the mining.

Dozens of sand mining ships hired by the company were reportedly operating illegally in the Hoang Chau Commune's Noi dune area earlier in June.


The mining hindered the waterway transportation and affected mangrove swamps and 20ha of clam farm of the commune.

Thanh Hoa People's Committee ordered the FLC Group to cease sand mining and complete legal procedures before resuming.

FLC had yet to identify and demarcate the sand mining zone inside an area of 60ha including 20ha in Noi dune area and 40ha of beach.

The company also had to submit an environmental impact assessment report and plans for environmental rehabilitation and safety of waterways.

Despite a warning from the People's Committee, the company is carrying on with its mining activities.

FLC is hiring about 20 to 30 ships a day to work in the area. Most of the ships are local or from the northern province of Hai Duong and Hai Phong City.

None of the ship owners have provided registrations for their ships, sand mining licences and contracts with the FLC Group.

The Maritime Administration of Thanh Hoa is coordinating with local authorities to deal with the violation.