Investors Show Strong Interest in Bauxite Mining Projects in Ðak Nông, Vietnam
- 10-Jan-2025 10:45 PM
- Journalist: Jacob Kutchner
Ðak Nông Province in Vietnam is witnessing a surge of investor interest in bauxite mining and processing, with a projected investment capital of $8 billion for new projects. This is in line with the government’s plan to develop the region's substantial bauxite reserves, which hold significant potential for both aluminum and gallium production. The provincial People's Committee has reported that four new bauxite mining and processing factories are set to be built, each with an investment of less than $1 billion.
Chairman of the People's Committee, Ho Van Muoi, shared at a recent conference in Ðak Nông that the province’s bauxite reserves are estimated to last up to 715 years with the implementation of these four projects. The development of these projects marks a critical opportunity for Ðak Nông to achieve a breakthrough in its economic growth by capitalizing on its rich natural resources. Muoi emphasized the importance of overcoming challenges to fully leverage these opportunities.
Ðak Nông’s bauxite resources span approximately 2,396 square kilometers, making up nearly one-third of the province’s total land area. This rich deposit is poised to meet the growing demand for aluminum, an essential material for industries ranging from aerospace to construction. Bauxite is also a crucial source of gallium, a key element in the production of semiconductors and other high-tech applications.
The Prime Minister's Decision 866, issued in July 2023, outlines the government's long-term mineral planning, covering the period from 2021 to 2030, with a vision extending to 2050. The plan designates more than 1,670 square kilometers of land for bauxite extraction, representing roughly 25% of the natural area of Ðak Nông. This strategic mineral planning aims to ensure sustainable and efficient exploitation of the province’s resources, while minimizing the environmental and social impacts of mining activities.
In response to potential concerns, Ðak Nông is actively working with central ministries to address challenges related to overlapping mineral planning. The province is focused on removing regulatory barriers that could hinder progress and ensuring that the development of its bauxite sector is managed in an environmentally responsible manner.
As the bauxite mining industry continues to expand, Ðak Nông stands on the brink of an economic transformation. With significant investments pouring into the region and the potential for long-term resource exploitation, the province is poised to become a major player in the global bauxite market, driving both local economic growth and contributing to Vietnam’s mineral industry development.