Firm in central Vietnam fined over $18,700 for unlawful sand exploitation

A company in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam has got fined VND445 million (US$18,700) for exploiting sand illegally. The company dredged sand in unpermitted areas, according to the decision. Besides, the firm showed no mineral mining licenses granted by authorities, and failed to follow sand exploitation steps and criteria passed by designated agencies. Aside from the fine, the company was ordered to submit the proceeds from the illegal sand exploitation at over VND108 million ($4,550). In addition, the firm must submit VND36 million ($1,520) for unlawful sand consumption to the agencies.