MINERAL EXPLOITATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH CIRCULAR ECONOMY: A sustainable approach

Part 2: Green growth drivers

The application of a circular economy in mineral exploitation helps protect the environment and promotes sustainable growth. Binh Duong is focusing on utilizing by-products from mineral exploitation, deep recycling, laying the foundation for the development of auxiliary industries.

Sustainable exploitation

Amid the growing scarcity of natural sand and the negative impacts of sand mining on rivers and lakebeds, deep processing of stone dust to produce artificial sand has become an urgent solution. This approach helps alleviate pressure on natural sand resources while enhancing the value of mineral resources.

Currently, several mineral exploitation enterprises in the province such as Hong Dat Production - Trading - Service Co., Ltd. and Binh Duong Construction Co. have invested in crushed sand processing lines (also known as artificial sand). Artificial sand is produced from crushed stone dust, a fine-sized material that was previously underutilized. A representative of Hong Dat Co., Ltd. stated that investing in processing lines not only optimizes the available resources, but also contributes to creating a sustainable alternative material. With modern technology, crushed sand can completely replace natural sand in construction, especially in commercial concrete production.

Vo Minh Duc, Vice Chairman of Binh Duong Mineral Industry Association stated that without artificial sand, the construction industry would have to rely on riverbed sand mining, leading to severe consequences such as erosion and ecological imbalance. Artificial sand can be produced directly in areas with stone mines, reducing transportation costs and ensuring a stable supply. In the future, if businesses continue investing in deep processing technology, combined with the State’s support policies, artificial sand will inevitably become the dominant trend, gradually replacing river sand and protecting natural resources.

Additionally, other products such as non-fired bricks also utilize by-products like stone dust and rubble, helping reduce the use of traditional fired bricks, conserve clay resources and limit emissions from kilns. According to experts, recycling and deep processing of mineral exploitation by-products is an efficient and sustainable approach. Deep-processed products like non-fired bricks and artificial sand significantly increase in value. To promote this initiative, close collaboration between the State, businesses and communities is essential, along with appropriate support policies to encourage enterprises to invest in advanced recycling technologies.

Effective utilization of post-exploitation resources

One of the most important factors for sustainable mineral exploitation is proper planning. Currently, functional zoning in the province is strictly implemented under the master plan. Along with this, the Mineral Law, Environmental Law and Land Management Law contain stringent regulations to ensure that mineral exploitation follows the required standards.

Mr. Duc believes that mineral exploitation is always a sensitive issue as it can cause conflicts in terms of the environment, economy and society. However, instead of viewing mineral exploitation as a source of conflict, we can turn it into an opportunity for sustainable development with proper planning and effective utilization of post-exploitation resources. For example, in areas where construction stones are mined, the exploitation process often leaves behind mining pits. With a well-thought-out reuse plan, these pits can be transformed into freshwater reservoirs to serve urban areas.

In North Tan Uyen district, 600 hectares are designated for deep construction material exploitation, with depth reaching up to 120 meters. The mining pits left after exploitation could hold a large volume of clean water. Transforming these old mining pits into water reservoirs not only addresses environmental issues, but also allows for efficient utilization of water resources. Furthermore, these water reservoirs could become ecological tourism destinations, contributing to regulating the climate and improving the quality of life for local residents.

It can be said that proper mining planning linked with environmental restoration after exploitation is a key factor for sustainable development. The harmonious combination of economic benefits, environmental protection and community well-being helps the mining sector become a long-term growth driver. According to leaders of provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, in order to promote the circular economy model in the mineral exploitation sector, Binh Duong encourages thorough exploitation and resource maximization in licensed areas, minimizes land occupation and strictly enforces environmental restoration bond regulations in mining activities. Additionally, timely implementation of regulations for managing and protecting unexploited mineral resources is essential. Binh Duong also prioritizes deep processing and diversification of products for high-value minerals with broad usage and efficiency.

Vo Minh Duc, Vice Chairman of Binh Duong Mineral Industry Association stated: "To avoid situations where land designated for mineral exploitation is repurposed before fully utilized, it's essential to implement the exploitation plan thoroughly. Enterprises need to soon coordinate to clear mines, exploit deep parts and increase mining output to ensure effective mineral exploitation and be in line with the master plan until 2050.

Reported by Tien Hanh-Translated by Kim Tin