For the first time, regulations have been established regarding the management and exploitation of rare earth elements.

VTV.vn - The Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Geology and Minerals has been passed by the National Assembly.

For the first time, regulations have been established regarding the management and exploitation of rare earth elements.

The Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Geology and Minerals has been passed by the National Assembly . One of the important contents is the addition of regulations related to rare earth resources.

Accordingly, the investigation, assessment, exploration, exploitation, processing, and utilization of rare earth elements must comply with the national strategy and planning, linked to the requirements of sustainable socio-economic development and ensuring national defense and security. The law also stipulates that the exploration, exploitation, and processing of rare earth elements must be strictly controlled, and the export of raw rare earth minerals is prohibited. Deep processing of rare earth elements must be linked to the development of a modern industrial ecosystem to enhance the domestic value chain and ensure self-reliance in implementing the national strategy on rare earth elements. The State has policies for the reserve and protection of rare earth elements, and regulates the export and import of rare earth elements in each period.

According to the government, rare earth elements play a strategic role in many critical industries such as alloys and advanced materials, solar panels, electric vehicle batteries, military robots, autonomous vehicles, drones, and semiconductors. Demand for these materials is expected to increase sharply in the next decade with the development of high technology, renewable energy, and electric vehicles, making rare earth elements a special commodity with significant implications for defense, security, and diplomacy, requiring strict management mechanisms.

In addition to provisions on rare earth elements, the Law also supplements policies to remove difficulties and reduce administrative procedures in converting land use purposes for the exploitation of Group III minerals for construction materials and Group IV minerals to supply public investment projects, PPP projects, national key projects, urgent projects; as well as disaster prevention projects and some projects decided by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee. This activity is carried out under the multi-purpose land use mechanism according to land law and only applies to planted production forest land and non-agricultural land, excluding national defense and security land.

The law will take effect from January 1, 2026.

Source: https://vtv.vn/lan-dau-tien-co-quy-dinh-ve-quan-ly-khai-thac-dat-hiem-100251212072301408.htm