Working Session Overview

Participating in the meeting, the delegation from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment included Mr. Nguyen Van Nguyen, Deputy Director-General of the General Department of Geology and Minerals of Vietnam, as well as representatives of various agencies and units under the Ministry. Representing Kon Tum Province were Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Sam, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, and leaders from various departments and agencies, including the Departments of Natural Resources and Environment, Planning and Investment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Industry and Trade, the Provincial Military Command, and the Provincial Border Guard Command.

In his report during the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Van Loc, Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Kon Tum Province, stated that Kon Tum boasts significant potential in mineral resources. According to statistics, there are approximately 214 mines, 49 ore and mineral processing sites, and 40 types of minerals, including various metals, distributed throughout the province. Some of these minerals play a crucial role in the key industries of the nation. However, most of these mineral types remain largely untapped.

Regarding the implementation of Resolution No. 10-NQ/TW dated February 10, 2022, issued by the Politburo on the strategic orientation for geology, mineral resources, and mining industry development until 2030, with a vision toward 2045, the Provincial People's Committee of Kon Tum has directed various levels and functional departments within the province to coordinate and create favorable conditions for geological associations to participate in the implementation of geological mineral resource survey and assessment projects.

Kon Tum Province has updated information on the results of geological mineral resource surveys within its territory provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. This information serves as guidance for the development goals of the mining industry as part of the implementation of Resolution No. 10-NQ/TW by the Provincial Party Committee's Standing Board.

Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Tran Quy Kien, Speaking at the Working Session

Additionally, Kon Tum has updated relevant plans and incorporated land use and mineral resource utilization into the planning for exploration, exploitation, and mineral resource utilization within the province. Some areas with scattered small-scale mineral resources have experienced illegal mining activities, creating difficulties in terms of management and protection.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Loc, state management of mineral resources in Kon Tum Province still faces several difficulties and challenges related to dredging activities in irrigation reservoirs and hydroelectricity plants, which lack uniformity in management, leading to unauthorized mining and recovery of minerals in violation of regulations.

Furthermore, there is a lack of specific regulations regarding the management of soil and rock material discharge during construction activities, resulting in resource wastage. Lastly, there are conflicts between the Land Law and the Mineral Law, which pose difficulties for mineral exploitation auction activities.

Speaking during the meeting, Deputy Minister Tran Quy Kien emphasized that Kon Tum Province possesses great potential in mineral resources; however, geological survey and assessment activities are still in their initial stages. Large potential mineral deposits have yet to be identified to attract investors.

Furthermore, Deputy Minister Tran Quy Kien proposed that the provincial border guard forces of Kon Tum Province collaborate with relevant agencies and units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to effectively manage and protect mineral resources along the border areas. Additionally, they should undertake surveys and assessments of mineral resources in Kon Tum Province shortly.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Sam - Vice Chairman of Kon Tum Provincial People's Committee Speaking at the Meeting

Deputy Minister Tran Quy Kien also suggested that Kon Tum Province aims to invest in improving the proficiency of geological exploration, mining, and mineral processing. He noted, "The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, seek the opinions of the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Committee, and determine the potential large-scale mineral areas in Kon Tum. These areas will be included in exploration and exploitation planning, with permits issued by regulations. This will prevent the fragmentation of resources and align with the needs of socio-economic development, ensuring national security and environmental protection."

On behalf of the People's Committee of Kon Tum Province, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Sam, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, expressed the province's hope that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and relevant units would closely collaborate with Kon Tum Province to enhance the effectiveness of geological exploration, identify mineral resources-particularly rare and radioactive minerals such as gold and copper-and promote socio-economic development within the locality.

PV