Working delegation of the Committee for Science, Technology and Environment worked with the People's Committee of Lao Cai province

Attending the meeting were: members of the working delegation; Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Sinh; representatives of the Vietnam Geology and Minerals Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment ; representatives of departments and branches in the province; representatives of a number of enterprises operating in the mineral sector in the area.

Vice Chairman of the Committee for Science , Technology and Environment Ta Dinh Thi speaks

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

Vice Chairman of the Committee Ta Dinh Thi said that the draft Law proposes 6 key policy groups, related to decentralization and delegation of power according to the 2-level local government model; cutting down business conditions and administrative procedures; resolving bottlenecks, and unblocking mineral resources. The draft Law also adds a new chapter on rare earth management, aiming to strengthen sanctions and strict management mechanisms for this strategic and special resource, contributing to promoting the national competitive advantage of rare earth.

The Vice Chairman of the Committee for Science, Technology and Environment hopes that, with Lao Cai's experience in managing and exploiting mineral resources, the province will clarify the difficulties and obstacles in mineral management and exploitation; and contribute opinions on policy contents to contribute to perfecting the draft Law.

National Assembly member working full-time at the Committee for Science, Technology and Environment Nguyen Van An speaks. Photo: Thanh Chi

Deputy Director of the Department of Geology and Minerals, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Mai The Toan - photo: Thanh Chi — Deputy Director of the Department of Geology and Minerals of Vietnam, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Mai The Toan speaks. Photo: Thanh Chi

Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee basically agrees with the content of the draft Law to clear institutional bottlenecks in mineral management and exploitation activities.

Vice Chairman of Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Sinh speaks

Delegates also highly appreciated the amendment and supplementation of regulations on licensing of mineral activities in groups III and IV to provide construction materials for public investment projects according to the provisions of the law on public investment; investment projects implemented under the public-private partnership (PPP) method according to the provisions of 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 that are legally exploiting minerals without having to adjust or supplement mineral planning before granting exploration licenses...

Representative of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Lao Cai province spoke

In addition, the Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee also found that the draft Law does not specifically stipulate serious violations in mineral activities that would result in the revocation of mineral exploitation licenses, which could lead to difficulties in implementation and management. The Provincial People's Committee also recommended that it is necessary to soon supplement specific guidance on the preparation, appraisal, and approval of projects and plans for dredging hydroelectric reservoirs combined with the recovery of mineral products in hydroelectric reservoirs.

Representatives of a number of businesses operating in the field of mineral exploitation in the area also proposed and recommended a number of policies to create more favorable conditions for business operations.

Concluding the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Committee for Science, Technology and Environment Ta Dinh Thi suggested 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 completing the draft Law.

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