Gold sifters face perils in Central Highlands

Recently, hundreds of people have been found risking their lives panning for gold in the lower sections of Po Ko River, which the Plei Krong Hydropower Plant — located at the upper reaches — has dammed in order to accumulate water to be released anytime, in Sa Thay District of the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum. 

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People sift for gold on Po Ko River in the Central Highlands Province of Kon Tum (Photo: SGGP)

During the early hours of recent mornings, Sai Gon Giai Phong reporters witnessed hundreds of local residents on the river working hard in pursuit of gold. Men moved rocks away and scooped sand while women and children panned for gold with iron trays.

Gold seeker A Sam said that over the last month he has consistently woken up early to sift the sands for gold, although his effort brings just over VND100,000 on the best days; other times his efforts yield nothing.

Slight of stature with sunburned hair, Y Thiet, 11, was submerged in water, sifting gold with a big iron tray and said that he earned enough to buy a few ice-creams.

Most of gold seekers said that they only earn in the tens of thousands of VND per day.

While talking with Y Thiet, reporters said they heard the rumbles of water being released from the upper reaches of the river where the hydropower plant located.

People barracked themselves; men and youths quickly ran to the river bank while women and children had to struggle with the torrential flowage, navigating big rocks as they swam towards the riverbank.

The last person to escape the raging river, Y Linh, said that there were people swept away as they were too focused on sifting gold.

Dang Cong Nua, chairman of Kroong Commune People’s Committee, said that earlier, the river had plenty of gold. From 1987-1988, it saw a host of people arrive on quests for gold.

After the Plei Krong hydropower plant began operations, water levels have been deeper; thus, ending the gold sifting.

However, over the last month, the hydropower plant has blocked the river current to accumulate water from 3-4am every day, inspiring local residents to flock to the river to try their luck in looking for gold. Most of the gold seekers are Ro Ngao ethic minorities.

Mr.Nua said that the gold exploitation is illegal and dangerous as gold seekers do not know when the hydropower plant will release water.

Local authorities have called on people to stop sifting gold and proposed the hydropower plant managers inform people in advance when they are going to release water to prevent unfortunate consequences in the future.

Source: Saigon giai phong

Tags: Hydropower Plant, The Hydropower, The Hydropower Plant, The River, Physics games

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