UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACTS ON COMMUNITY FROM TIN ORE MINING: A CASE STUDY IN CHAU HONG COMMUNE, QUY HOP DISTRICT, NGHE AN PROVINCE

Abstract

After the introduction of Doi moi, Vietnam has strengthened the exploitation of mineral resources to serve domestic demand and export, making a great contribution to the national economy. Due to the acceleration of industrialization and under the guidance of China’s Belt and Road initiative, tin ore mining, as a foundation for the steel industry, has achieved a significant growth rate and production output. Despite of the macroeconomic achievements, tin ore mining industry has caused adverse impacts to local. This paper seeks to understand how local community experienced the whole range of impacts from the exploitation of tin ores. The study applies the qualitative research method through 19 semi-structured in-depth interviews, participant and field observation in Na Hieng village, Chau Hong commune, Quy Hop district, Nghe An. The finding reveals that although mining industry might play a significant role in local economic growth, this activity has increasingly caused property damage, social instability and environmental degradation. The authors endeavor to provide timely empirical research to advance knowledge on mining industry with a special focus on the different consequences of tin ore mining in the affected community.