Effectively exploiting the 'treasures' beneath the earth.

The northern region of Thai Nguyen province has abundant mineral resources with many large-reserve deposits and mines. This is an important basis for the development of mining and processing industries, along with supporting industries, creating significant potential for local economic growth and making a positive contribution to the overall development of the province.

Kim An An Co., Ltd. (located in Thanh Binh Industrial Park, Thai Nguyen province) is one of the pioneering enterprises in the exploitation and supply of natural quartz stone products in Vietnam. Photo: Provided

Abundant mineral resources

The northern region of Thai Nguyen province is renowned for its valuable, diverse, and potentially rich mineral resources, which have become an important driving force for industrial development.

Geological surveys reveal that this area lies within two distinct geological formations, resulting in some of the richest mineral resources in the northern mountainous region. The entire area currently boasts over 270 mines and mineral deposits of 24 different types, categorized into five groups: fuels; metals; industrial minerals; common building materials; and rare and precious minerals such as gemstones and semi-precious stones.

Within the group of metallic minerals, iron ore and iron-manganese ore have projected reserves of over 15 million tons. Lead-zinc accounts for the largest proportion with 77 mines, concentrated in localities such as Cho Don, Yen Thinh, Quang Bach, Nam Cuong, Ngan Son, and Thuong Quang, estimated at approximately 4 million tons. Antimony, although not having large reserves, is distributed specifically in Cho Moi and Van Lang. Tin is projected at over 2,300 tons, and gold is estimated at 30-50 tons along the Bac Giang River.

In addition, scattered white limestone, cement clay, and precious stones such as rubies and sapphires add to the area's unique characteristics.

The 60,000 tons/year ferromanganese smelting line of Bac Kan Industrial Development Joint Stock Company (in Cho Don commune) has been put into operation in phase I.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Cuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, emphasized: The northern part of the province is a region rich in valuable minerals, considered a special advantage for the development of mining and processing industries. However, the province's consistent viewpoint is to link mining with deep processing, strict management, and environmental protection. Only when this is achieved will these resources truly become a driving force for sustainable development in the locality.

Invest in deep processing to enhance value.

Taking advantage of its existing resources, the northern region of Thai Nguyen has attracted numerous projects in mineral exploitation, processing, and construction material production over the years. Currently, the region has 15 lead-zinc mining licenses with a raw sulfide ore extraction capacity of 292,390 tons/year and a total approved reserve of nearly 4 million tons. This ore is supplied to 5 lead smelting plants in the province with a total capacity of 26,500 tons/year.

Mining and processing output also recorded a stable growth trend. In 2021, the northern region of the province achieved 7,692 tons of lead concentrate and 8,910 tons of lead metal; in 2022, this increased to 8,072 tons of lead concentrate and 13,600 tons of lead metal; in 2023, it reached 9,409 tons of lead concentrate and 17,173 tons of lead metal; and by 2024, it is expected to maintain at 10,920 tons of lead concentrate and 12,355 tons of lead metal. These figures show that the local mining industry has gradually shifted from raw mining to processing, aiming to enhance the value of its products.

Not content with just meeting domestic demand, mineral processing plants in the northern region of Thai Nguyen have expanded into the international market with key products such as zinc oxide powder and crude lead ingots.

Workers operate the lead-zinc ore processing line at the Bac Kan Mineral Resources Joint Stock Company's factory.

Notably, Bac Kan Mineral Joint Stock Company exports thousands of tons of zinc oxide powder and lead ingots annually. In addition, Hoang Nam Company Limited and Asia-Europe Metal Company Limited - Bac Kan Branch export lead ingots to markets in China, Singapore, and Hong Kong, generating hundreds of billions of VND in export value each year.

Mr. Cong Minh Tien, Director of Hoang Nam Co., Ltd., said: "Since 2020, we have invested in a modern lead smelting line. The factory, with a capacity of 5,000 tons/year, operates stably, creating jobs for more than 60 workers, contributing approximately 30 billion VND to the budget each year, and helping to increase the value of local mineral resources."

Despite progress in exports, the reality is that the majority of mineral products remain in raw form with low added value, becoming one of the "bottlenecks" that need to be addressed soon. The Ferromanganese plant of Bac Kan Industrial Development Joint Stock Company in Cho Don commune, with a capacity of 60,000 tons/year, has basically completed phase 1, producing 2,574 tons of pig iron and 1,368 tons of manganese-rich slag.

This is an important step in the roadmap towards deep processing and enhancing the value of local mineral resources. However, the factory still faces a major challenge due to the unstable supply of raw materials.

Natural quartz powder production line at Kim An An Co., Ltd. (Thanh Binh Industrial Park). Photo: Provided.

Mr. Vu Trung Thong, Director of Bac Kan Industrial Development Joint Stock Company, said: The Ferromanganese plant with a capacity of 60,000 tons/year has been inspected and put into operation. Currently, the company is selecting a contractor to supply equipment, finalizing documents and site preparation to implement phase 2, expected to be put into operation in the first quarter of 2028. However, the process of granting mining permits and linking raw material sources with units in the region is still facing difficulties, affecting the plant's ability to operate stably and continuously.

Alongside mining operations, environmental protection must be strictly controlled, from land reclamation and reforestation to wastewater treatment. The selection of investors needs clear criteria, prioritizing those that apply modern technology and are committed to long-term development.

Based on this, the northern area of ​​Thai Nguyen is oriented towards exploitation linked to environmental restoration, ensuring a harmonious balance of interests between the State, businesses, and the community. At the same time, emphasis is placed on developing supporting industries, logistics, and mineral trade to enhance value, gradually reduce dependence on raw material exports, and thereby contribute to Thai Nguyen's strong rise on the national economic map.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202509/khai-thac-hieu-qua-kho-bau-trong-long-dat-7a60edd/