On 12 January, an overflow of wastewater from an iron ore washing reservoir in Viengxay district, Houaphanh Province, turned the Nam Xang River dark red. This prompted residents to call on local authorities and a mining company for urgent action.
The head of the Natural Resources and Environment Office in Viengxay District, Outhone Bounvilay, clarified the incident during an interview with state media on 13 January. He confirmed that the discoloration was caused by wastewater released from the Tienhao Kaobang Company’s iron ore washing reservoir in Fongxang village.
According to Outhone, the issue occurred when sewage from the company’s first reservoir overflowed into a second reservoir, which failed to contain the volume. As a result, the wastewater spilled into the Nam Xang and Nam Poon rivers.
In response, the district authorities have reached an agreement with the company to temporarily halt mining operations and improve the reservoir system. Both sides are also working with local villages including six of which lie along the Nam Xang River to assess the impact and ensure proper compensation.
In addition, water samples have been collected but are still awaiting analysis. Meanwhile, residents remain concerned about the potential harm to their livestock and rice production, as many fear that contaminated water may impact crop yields or pose risks to animals drinking from the river.
Outhone also revealed that this is not the first incident involving Tienhao Kaobang Company.
In December 2024, a similar issue occurred when wastewater seeped from the company’s reservoirs into the river. While that problem was quickly addressed, authorities have already issued a memorandum to the company, urging stricter measures to prevent further incidents.