The Highway Heist: Exposing the Unscrupulous Sand Mining Operation

On August 22, a leader of the People’s Committee of Dak Lak Province stated that they had assigned the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to advise on resolving the petitions of Joint Stock Company 484 (from Nghe An Province) and the People’s Committee of Krong Bong District regarding sand exploitation for the Khanh Hoa – Buon Ma Thuot expressway project.

“Joint Stock Company 484 was granted a license for sand mining to serve the expressway project under a special mechanism, thus enjoying expedited procedures and favorable conditions in certain aspects. However, they must strictly comply with all other regulations, particularly the mandatory installation of weighing stations for supervision.”

Previously, on May 4, the People’s Committee of Dak Lak Province issued a document confirming Joint Stock Company 484’s permission to exploit sand for the second component project of the Khanh Hoa – Buon Ma Thuot expressway.

On June 20, the People’s Committee of Krong Bong District conducted an inspection and identified multiple violations, leading to a temporary suspension of the company’s operations. Despite this, Joint Stock Company 484 continued to hastily exploit and sell sand to contractors.

During a subsequent inspection on August 14, the People’s Committee of Krong Bong District found that the company had utilized means of exploitation that differed from their registered methods. They had also failed to convert the land use purpose of the sand stockpiling sites. The installed surveillance camera was deemed inadequate for effective monitoring of sand exploitation and transportation. Additionally, the company had not appointed a qualified individual as the mine director nor notified the competent authorities as required.

Notably, the company had not installed a weighing station for the transport of raw minerals outside the mining area.

The People’s Committee of Krong Bong District requested the People’s Committee of Dak Lak Province to consider temporarily suspending sand exploitation activities to allow the company to fulfill the necessary requirements as per regulations. They also proposed that the provincial authorities direct specialized agencies to coordinate with the district in inspecting and evaluating all aspects before resuming sand exploitation.

As reported by Nguoi Lao Dong newspaper, Joint Stock Company 484 was permitted by the People’s Committee of Dak Lak Province to exploit sand for contractors working on the second component project of the Khanh Hoa – Buon Ma Thuot expressway, under a special mechanism.

Despite not fulfilling the requirements set by the authorities, the company hastily exploited and sold sand to contractors. Notably, Joint Stock Company 484 requested an exemption from installing a weighing station due to the perceived difficulty and expense, creating challenges for management and supervision.