MINERAL EXPLOITATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH CIRCULAR ECONOMY: A sustainable approach

Part 1: Optimizing mineral exploitation

Mineral exploitation plays a crucial role in socio-economic development, generating significant revenue for State budget. However, if not optimized, mining activities can lead to resource wastage, environmental destruction and negative impacts on local communities. A solution being implemented by many localities and businesses is the application of advanced technologies to enhance exploitation efficiency, minimize resource losses and reduce environmental pollution.

A key resource for economic development

North Tan Uyen district possesses abundant mineral resources, primarily stone quarries and leveling soil. Its location adjacent to the Dong Nai River forms up a vital waterway transport route connecting the Southeastern region with the Mekong Delta region. According to planning, the district has over 600 hectares of mineral exploitation areas in Tan My and Thuong Tan communes, contributing not only to local economic development, but also to supplying mineral resources for the region.

Leaders of North Tan Uyen district stated that Binh Duong is accelerating the implementation of key transportation projects such as the Saigon Riverside Road, the Ho Chi Minh City Belt Road 3 section passing through the province and the upgraded National Highway 13. Within the district, major road projects include the Thu Bien - Dat Cuoc Road, Ho Chi Minh City Belt Road 4 and the Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh Expressway. To meet the demand for construction materials, the district prioritizes the use of locally sourced stone to reduce transportation costs while supplying materials for key projects in and out of the province.

In Dau Tieng district, three types of minerals have been licensed for exploitation: construction sand  in Dau Tieng resevoir, construction stone in Minh Hoa commune and clay for bricks and tiles in Dinh An, Long Hoa and Dinh Hiep communes. According to leaders of the district, efficient mineral exploitation not only creates jobs for worker, but also provides materials for the development of local socio-economic infrastructure. Currently, the district's mineral resources are also being used for key transportation projects in the province.

According to Vo Minh Duc, Vice Chairman of Binh Duong provincial Mineral Industry Association, mineral resources are one of the key factors in socio-economic development, playing a crucial role in supplying raw materials for the industrial, construction and traffic sectors.

Technology and infrastructure development

Mining enterprises in the province are focusing on utilizing advanced, environmentally friendly technologies and equipment. For stone quarries, industrial explosives are being used as a safer alternative to traditional blasting methods, employing non-electric detonators and safe explosives that do not release toxic gases. Additionally, businesses are investing in modern crushing equipment, monitoring emissions from fossil fuels and installing advanced conveyor systems for material transportation.

Do Xuan Truong, Operations Director of Phan Thanh Co., Ltd. in North Tan Uyen district’s Thuong Tan commune stated that the company is using non-electric delay blasting and environmentally friendly industrial explosives such as Anfo explosives with zero oxygen balance, to minimize blast vibrations and protect surrounding structures. The company has also invested in Japanese and German crushing equipment and an automatic misting system for effective dust suppression. Representative of Hong Duc Manufacturing and Logistics Co., Ltd.  in North Tan Uyen district’s Thuong Tan commune shared that the company has installed a conveyor system to transport materials from the processing area to the Dong Nai River port. This enhances production efficiency while reducing traffic congestion and environmental pollution in the area.

Le Van Tan, Head of the Water Resources and Minerals Division under provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment stated that the task of licensing mineral exploration and exploitation has been carried out in compliance with legal regulations and the province’s mineral planning. Provincial authorities have been actively promoting awareness among businesses and residents to ensure that mineral resource exploitation becomes more regulated and systematic. (To be continued).

Provincial Planning for the period of 2021-2023, with a vision towards 2050 outlines a strategy for the exploitation, use and protection of mineral resources. Accordingly, Binh Duong aims at strengthening the use of new, advanced and environmentally friendly technologies and equipment, with a closed-loop recycling system. This approach seeks to maximize mineral recovery, minimize waste, prevent resource losses and reduce the use of raw materials, fuel, energy…

 Reported by Tien Hanh-Translated by Kim Tin