Lao Cai moves to promote mineral processing

Mining operation in Sin Quyen copper mine - Photo: baotainguyenmoitruong

Home to rich reserves of 35 kinds of minerals, Lao Cai became a centre for metallurgy and chemical industry in the region and the nation in 2010-2015, particularly the processing of apatite, iron, copper and phosphorous.

Many projects in the locality have been operating efficiently, contributing to the province’s industrial production value and budget. They also create jobs and stable incomes for thousands of locals.

The Lao Cai Copper Refining Plant in the Tang Loong Industrial Park (IP) is an example of the firms that brought economic benefits to the province and the nation in general. Constructed in 2005, the plant is the first of its kind in Vietnam. It uses modern and environmentally friendly technologies with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes of refined copper a year, meeting one third of copper demand in the country.

The Apatite Vietnam Company is also a successful example in Lao Cai with three plants for sifting ore, producing golden phosphorus and fertiliser.

However, the expansion of mineral processing is also putting strain on the environment and daily life of local people.

At a recent meeting with enterprises operating in the locality, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Dang Xuan Phong stressed the need to pay special attention to protecting the environment.

Local businesses have been encouraged to use advanced environment treatment technologies and equipment to replace backward ones, especially those in treating dust, exhaust gas and waste water. They were also asked to build automated environment observation systems, which can directly transmit data to relevant agencies for supervision.

The provincial authorities are investing in infrastructure facilities in the Tang Loong IP and a number of concentrated facilities for solid, water and harmful waste./.

Source: VEN/VNA