Firm to be hired for bauxite mining in highlands

Negotiations to hire a mining contractor for the Tan Rai bauxite mine are likely to wrap up this quarter, the state-owned Vietnam National Coal Mineral Industries Group said.

Vinacomin, as it is known, also said it has received a license to work the mine in Lam Dong Province.

Bauxite is used to produce aluminum.

A recent catastrophe triggered by a toxic red sludge that flooded villages in Hungary has set off warnings against mining from Vietnamese experts and media.

Harmful red mud, an indispensable byproduct in the production of aluminum, has been a major cause for environmental concern in the country in the last few years.

An aluminum plant in Tan Rai is expected to produce 630,000 tons a year.

The country’s other plant, Nhan Co, will churn out 650,000 tons.

Vietnam has the world’s third-largest bauxite reserves, according to the 2009 US Geological Survey. – Tuoitre

Tags: Vietnam bauxite