The working group of the Committee on Science, Technology and Environment held a meeting with the People's Committee of Lao Cai province.

Attending the working session were: members of the working group; Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Sinh; representatives from the Vietnam Geological and Mineral Resources Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment ; representatives from provincial departments and agencies; and representatives from several businesses operating in the mineral sector in the province.

Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Science , Technology and Environment, Ta Dinh Thi, delivered a speech.

Speaking at the working session, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Science, Technology and Environment Ta Dinh Thi stated that the amendment and supplementation of several articles of the Law on Geology and Minerals aims to promptly resolve difficulties arising in the practical implementation of the current Law, especially issues related to the licensing mechanism, exploitation, and use of minerals for the construction of important national projects; urgent and critical investment projects decided by competent authorities… This is also a practical solution to promote socio- economic development, contributing to achieving the 8% GDP growth target in 2025 and creating a solid foundation towards double-digit growth rates in the following years.

According to Deputy Chairman of the Committee Ta Dinh Thi, the draft Law proposes six key policy groups related to decentralization and delegation of power according to a two-tiered local government model; reducing business conditions and administrative procedures; and addressing bottlenecks and unlocking mineral resources. The draft Law also adds a new chapter on rare earth management, aiming to strengthen sanctions and mechanisms for strict management of this strategic and special resource, thereby contributing to leveraging the nation's competitive advantage in rare earths.

The Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Science, Technology and Environment expressed his hope that, based on Lao Cai's practical experience in managing and exploiting mineral resources, the province would clarify the difficulties and obstacles in mineral resource management and exploitation; and contribute opinions on policy contents to help improve the draft Law.

National Assembly Deputy Nguyen Van An, a full-time member of the Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, delivers a speech. Photo: Thanh Chi

Deputy Director of the Department of Geology and Minerals, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Mai Thế Toản - Photo: Thanh Chi — Deputy Director of the Vietnam Geological and Mineral Resources Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Mai Thế Toản, delivers a speech. Photo: Thanh Chi

The People's Committee of Lao Cai province basically agrees with the content of the draft Law aimed at removing institutional bottlenecks in the management and exploitation of mineral resources.

Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee Vice Chairman Nguyen Thanh Sinh delivered a speech.

The delegates also highly appreciated the amendments and additions to regulations on licensing the operation of Group III and Group IV minerals to supply construction materials for public investment projects as stipulated by the law on public investment; investment projects implemented under the public-private partnership (PPP) method as stipulated by the law on investment under the public-private partnership method...; allowing state management agencies to grant licenses for deep exploration and expansion to organizations and individuals legally exploiting minerals without having to adjust or supplement the mineral planning before granting exploration licenses...

A representative from the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Lao Cai province delivered a speech.

Furthermore, the People's Committee of Lao Cai province also noted that the draft Law does not specifically define serious violations in mineral activities that would result in the revocation of mining licenses, which could lead to difficulties in implementation and management. The People's Committee also suggested that specific regulations guiding the preparation, appraisal, and approval of projects and plans for dredging hydropower reservoirs combined with the recovery of mineral products within the reservoir should be added soon.

Representatives from several businesses operating in the mining sector in the area also proposed and suggested a number of policies to create more favorable conditions for businesses to operate.

Concluding the working session, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Science, Technology and Environment Ta Dinh Thi requested that the People's Committee of Lao Cai province continue to closely coordinate with the drafting agency and the reviewing agency in the process of finalizing the draft Law.

+ Previously, the working group of the Committee on Science, Technology and Environment conducted a field survey at Mong Son I Marble Quarry, Yen Binh Cement Joint Stock Company and Mong Son II Limestone Quarry - YBB Calcium Carbonate Joint Venture Company in Bao Ai commune, Lao Cai province.