Accelerate the progress of key mining projects.

On average, the Vietnam Coal and Mineral Industry Group (TKV) mines 40-42 million tons of coal annually. Currently, the production of TKV's open-pit mines is gradually decreasing. In order to maintain production and meet the coal needs of the economy, TKV is accelerating the investment in mine development projects, focusing on underground mine projects.

In early November 2023, TKV commenced the Bình Minh mine's deep-mining project, extending below -220m. Located in Ha Long City and belonging to Hon Gai Coal Company, the Bình Minh mine has been in operation since 2010, with mining levels ranging from -75m to -220m. Currently, the project is in the production reduction phase and is expected to conclude mining in 2026. The Bình Minh mine's deep-mining project has a total investment of VND 1,100 billion, with estimated raw coal reserves of over 9 million tons, a capacity of 500,000 tons per year, and a mining lifespan of 21 years, with mining levels ranging from -220m to -350m.

The Binh Minh mine project, which involves deep mining below -220m, has estimated raw coal reserves of over 9 million tons and a production capacity of 500,000 tons per year. *Photo: Quoc Thang*

The project comprises two mining longwalls, including one lightly mechanized longwall with a capacity of 300,000-350,000 tons/year and one chain-frame longwall with a production capacity of 200,000-250,000 tons/year. Simultaneously, it maximizes the use of automated conveyor belt technology for transportation both underground and on the surface, delivering raw coal directly to Hon Gai Coal Sorting Company.

After more than a year of project implementation, Hon Gai Coal Company is now accelerating the progress of basic tunnel construction and the development of industrial yard areas. Hon Gai Coal Company aims to put the first longwall mining face into operation by the end of 2026; and continue to put the second longwall mining face into operation in 2027, reaching the mine's designed capacity.

Besides accelerating the progress of the Binh Minh mine, Hon Gai Coal Company is currently preparing to invest in the expansion project of the Ha Rang underground mine. The expansion project of the Ha Rang underground mine, located in Ha Khanh ward, Ha Long city and Quang Hanh ward, Cam Pha city, has a capacity of 900,000 tons of raw coal per year; the basic construction period is 4 years; and the mine's lifespan is 17 years. The project has a total investment of over 1,410 billion VND. Currently, Hon Gai Coal Company is finalizing investment procedures. It is expected that construction will begin in mid-2025; and by 2029, the expansion project of the Ha Rang underground mine will reach its designed capacity.

According to the leaders of Hon Gai Coal Company, the Binh Minh mine's deep-mining project below -220m and the Ha Rang mine's expanded underground mining project are two key projects of TKV (Vietnam Coal Corporation), of particular importance in increasing the Group's coal production and creating jobs for many workers. Both projects will maximize the application of mechanization technologies in tunnel excavation, mining, and coal transportation both underground and on the surface. The application of modern technology and mechanized longwall mining in underground production will increase labor productivity, improve working conditions for miners, reduce direct labor, efficiently utilize coal resources, be environmentally friendly, and contribute to sustainable development.

In Uong Bi City, the Vietnam Coal Corporation (TKV) is currently preparing to invest in two underground coal mining projects at Vang Danh Coal Joint Stock Company and Uong Bi Coal Company. Specifically, the underground mining project at Vang Danh coal mine, located below -175m, belonging to Vang Danh Coal Joint Stock Company, has an estimated total investment of nearly 8,500 billion VND. The planned design capacity is 2 million tons per year; the mining depth ranges from -175m to -350m. The project's lifespan is 38 years.

Currently, Vang Danh Coal Joint Stock Company manages and exploits coal under 5 licenses, with open-pit and horizontal shaft mining projects scheduled to be completed between 2021 and 2023. Therefore, investment in new mine development projects is necessary. The implemented project will exploit the already explored reserves, contributing to ensuring coal supply for the economy with a total output of 56.6 million tons over 35 years; while also maintaining employment and income for over 3,000 mine workers for 35 years.

Regarding the Dong Vong underground mining project of Uong Bi Coal Company, with a designed capacity of 600,000 tons of raw coal per year and a project lifespan of 32 years, TKV and Uong Bi Coal Company are currently focusing on resolving difficulties, handling investment procedures, detailed construction planning, investment policy approval, and environmental impact assessment.

Leaders of TKV inspect the progress of investment preparation for the Dong Vong underground mining project of Uong Bi Coal Company. *Photo taken on November 15, 2024.*

To develop production and meet the coal needs of the economy, especially for electricity generation, TKV (Vietnam Coal and Mineral Group) pays special attention to investment in production development, including coal mine development projects. Currently, Quang Ninh province has approved 10 TKV projects in the province, particularly mine development projects, creating favorable conditions for TKV's production development. Investing in these mine projects at this stage helps TKV extend the lifespan of its mines and maintain production levels to meet the coal needs of thermal power plants.

To ensure progress, TKV requires all units to focus all resources and personnel, along with consulting units, to urgently implement and accelerate the progress of coal mine development projects to achieve coal production targets, ensure annual mining output, and meet consumption needs. At the same time, it directs and reviews the implementation of projects, expediting the resolution of procedures, removing obstacles, and accelerating construction.

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