Qingzhen intensifies crackdown on illegal mining

Weicheng town in Qingzhen, Guizhou province, launched a special campaign against illegal mining on May 22 to strengthen ecological protection and regulate the extraction of natural resources.

The campaign combines comprehensive inspections, joint law enforcement, ecological restoration, and public awareness efforts to crack down on activities such as unauthorized excavation and unlicensed mining. Authorities are also focused on protecting ecological security while restoring order to resource development across the area.

Weicheng established a comprehensive monitoring and enforcement system, with inspection teams conducting intensive patrols in key areas, including along mining routes and in remote mountainous regions, targeting concealed sites through fixed monitoring and dynamic surveillance. At the same time, local authorities are working with relevant departments to conduct joint enforcement actions, ensuring that illegal mining activities are promptly identified and addressed.

The campaign has already delivered tangible results: more than 10 public awareness banners have been displayed, two illegal mining sites have been handled in accordance with the law, and two individuals have been investigated for violations. Authorities have also completed the reclamation of one illegally mined site, installed 10 safety signs around abandoned pits, and confiscated 127 metric tons of illegally extracted mineral products.

Authorities say the campaign has effectively curbed illegal mining activities, improved the management of natural resource development, and achieved broader deterrence and long-term ecological governance through targeted enforcement.