National Assembly Delegate: Billions of dollars are in mineral mines, why is there no solution to exploit them?

Delegate Nguyen Van Than cited the example of the billion-dollar Thach Khe iron mine that has not been exploited, and raised the issue of finding solutions to exploit mineral mines like this to collect money for development.

Delegate Nguyen Van Than - Photo: GIA HAN

On the morning of December 1, the National Assembly discussed in the hall the draft Law on amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Geology and Minerals and the draft Law on amending and supplementing a number of articles of 15 laws in the fields of agriculture and environment.

In addition to environmental protection analysis, it is necessary to invest budget to find exploitation solutions.

Delegate Nguyen Van Than (Hung Yen) said that to achieve economic goals in the 2025-2030 period, with a vision to 2045, the most important things are digital transformation and technology development, increasing labor productivity, and second is minerals.

Mr. Than recognized that the sea area of ​​our country is three times larger than the land area. Under the sea there are many minerals, including rare minerals that geologists and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment basically know.

However, currently, budget investment for survey is very little, even on land. Therefore, he recommends focusing budget investment on survey to take advantage of mineral resources.

Regarding sea sand, Mr. Than pointed out that many scientists, businesses and the Government are concerned because sand resources are currently in short supply while exploitation in rivers will greatly affect the environment.

"We have raised this issue but I have not seen a specific scientific report on whether or not sea sand can be used for road construction and what. If this question can be answered, I think there will be no shortage of sand," Mr. Than said.

Regarding onshore minerals, Mr. Than said there are a lot of reserves but many projects exist for 5-10 years only because the mechanism does not clear them.

This draft law has many breakthroughs, however, according to Mr. Than: "We must take action. Only by exploiting minerals quickly, neatly, and ensuring the environment can we meet the economic needs of the country."

Analyzing further about Thach Khe iron mine (Ha Tinh), Mr. Than said that emphasizing the important role of the environment is necessary, however, we should not think "too deeply" about the environment, leading to delays in economic development.

"Currently, billions of dollars are in there (Thach Khe iron mine - NV) but if exploited, they will be left behind. This is an example, there are many other mines. Now science and technology have developed a lot, the world has overcome the current environmental problems, scientists have also proven it.

So why do we leave such natural potential underground just because we are worried about the impact on the environment?" Mr. Than suggested that there must be a solution to exploit the mine and collect money for development.

Clearly define criteria for permitting mineral exploitation in emergency situations

Delegate Nguyen Tam Hung - Photo: GIA HAN

On another issue, delegate Nguyen Tam Hung (HCMC) commented on the regulation of exempting procedures when exploiting minerals of groups III and IV in emergency cases.

According to Mr. Hung, the bill stipulates that it allows the exploitation of group III and IV minerals in emergency situations without having to go through licensing procedures.

He agreed on the principle of creating a quick response mechanism, however, to limit the risk of abusing the emergency mechanism in practice, Mr. Hung suggested considering clarifying the criteria for determining the state of emergency, along with a mandatory post-inspection mechanism on output, time, area and purpose of exploitation, to ensure that resources are not lost and to ensure publicity and transparency.

Regarding the regulation on decentralization of authority to demarcate areas prohibited from mineral activities, the Ho Chi Minh City delegation said that the draft assigns the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to approve and adjust areas prohibited from mineral activities.

He agreed with the decentralization viewpoint but suggested adding a principle requiring consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment before making a decision, to avoid the situation of different delimitations in each place, causing disruptions in resource planning, affecting the national strategy for developing materials and energy industries.

Regarding the priority period for granting mining licenses after exploration, according to Mr. Hung, the draft stipulates a priority period of 36 months for groups I and II and 18 months for group III.

Delegates said that the 18-month period for group III minerals is short compared to the reality of mines with complex geology serving key national projects.

"It is recommended to consider increasing the priority period to 24 months to reduce the need for multiple extensions, limit arising procedures and ensure stability in the material supply chain for key projects," said Mr. Hung.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dai-bieu-quoc-hoi-hang-ti-do-nam-trong-cac-mo-khoang-san-sao-khong-co-giai-phap-khai-thac-20251201110029182.htm