Vietnam finds 110 new mineral mines in the Northwest
Vietnam has discovered 110 mineral deposits in the northwest region over the past eight years.
These include rare earths, gold, tungsten, industrial limestone, and copper.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said 17 of the deposits are large, 43 are medium, and 50 are small.
The findings came from a government project that began in 2017 to study the region’s mineral resources and create a detailed geological map.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Quy Kien said the northwest region is important for Vietnam’s economy, environment, and security.
He urged local authorities to use the geological data to plan for economic growth and attract investment.
"This is a great opportunity for the region, but we need to ensure that mining is sustainable," he was quoted by Tuoitre News.
The survey also identified seven areas with deep mineral potential and predicted 15 zones with valuable rocks. It included detailed studies on geothermal energy in Dien Bien, Lai Chau, and Son La provinces.
Despite the discoveries, Vietnam faces challenges in using its mineral resources effectively. Authorities want to make sure mining benefits the region without harming the environment.
