On 20 June, authorities in Xieng Khouang Province detained eight people during a crackdown on illegal gold mining in Mok district.
The suspects included six Vietnamese nationals and two Lao nationals, according to state media.
Authorities also seized several vehicles and mining machines allegedly used in the operation, including three excavators, two pickup trucks, and an unregistered motorcycle.
Other equipment confiscated at the site included three water pumps, a generator, two gold separation screens, 11 gold-filter carpets, water pipes, and fuel containers.
Officials said the suspects and seized equipment were transferred to border military authorities while investigators gather evidence and prepare legal proceedings.
Wider Crackdown on Illegal Mining
The operation is part of a broader nationwide campaign by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to combat illegal mining, mineral trading, and smuggling.
Under new enforcement measures announced on 18 June, authorities have been instructed to increase inspections of mining sites, mineral processing facilities, online mineral trading, and equipment used in illegal extraction.
The ministry also ordered authorities to confiscate machinery, revoke business licences, publicly identify violators, and prosecute officials found protecting illegal mining operations.
The latest arrests follow several major enforcement actions in recent months.
On 8 June, authorities in Xaysomboun Province shut down an illegal gold mine in Anouvong district, arresting seven suspects, including the president of a Chinese company accused of operating without permits and causing environmental damage.
Earlier in May, authorities in Savannakhet dismantled illegal mining and logging operations in Phin and Sepon districts, arresting eleven suspects, including six Vietnamese nationals, while seizing excavators, boats, trucks, and more than one kilogram of mercury used in gold extraction.
The 18-June notice said the government is increasing pressure on illegal mining networks as environmental damage, river pollution, deforestation, and unsafe mining practices continue to raise concern across several provinces.
