The Binh Hoa - Tan Hanh quarry complex, covering approximately 60 hectares in Bien Hoa ward, was one of the largest rock mining areas in central TP Dong Nai.

This area previously had 9 active quarries, which ceased operations in 2011. Over time, the quarry pits formed 5 large lakes due to natural water accumulation. These are currently managed by the Land Fund Development Center of TP Dong Nai.

The mining process, with many areas excavated to depths of over 100 meters using explosives, left steep rock faces after the quarries closed. Long-accumulated water created deep lakes, posing risks of accidents and drowning.

The quarries are in a sparsely populated area, lacking supervision, so many teenagers still freely go down to the lakes to swim and play on the afternoon of 8/5. "Many people, especially students, come here to play. Just last week, a male teenager drowned while swimming," said Hung, a local resident. Warning signs for "deep dangerous pits" at the Tan Hanh quarry are faded and hard to discern.

The deserted quarry area is exploited by some for illegal waste dumping. Many piles of trash are then burned, causing environmental pollution around the quarry on the afternoon of 8/5.

Approximately 3 kilometers from the Binh Hoa - Tan Hanh quarry complex, the Hoa An quarry, with its blue lake nestled between rock faces, is likened by many to Dong Nai's "Tuyet Tinh Coc" (a scenic, secluded valley), attracting young people to visit and take photos.

The road, once used by specialized vehicles transporting rock, has now become a spot for fishing, checking in, and swimming for many young people. Over the past 10 years, this area has recorded many drowning incidents.

Two young people on an electric motorbike went close to the lake edge to take photos. Many young people were fishing by the Hoa An quarry lake on the morning of 8/5.

The public road passing the Hoa An quarry currently lacks fences, trees, and protective measures, posing safety risks.

According to local authorities, the investor had installed fences, built earth embankments, planted trees, and placed warning signs after closing the quarry, but most are now gone.

The protective fences along the lake are broken and damaged in many sections. Faced with this situation, the TP Dong Nai People's Committee requested units and localities to enhance management and protection of the quarry area; promptly repair fences, prevent illegal intrusion, waste dumping, and land encroachment.

The deep lakes nestled among rock faces create an aquamarine color, becoming a popular photo spot for many young people.

The TP Dong Nai authorities are calling for investment to develop a 100 MW solar power project combined with an eco-urban and resort area in this region.

Phuoc Tuan