VietNamNet Bridge – The Viet Nam Coal and Mineral Group (Vinacomin) claims that bauxite mining plants Tan Rai and Nhan Co in the Central Highland are socio-economically efficient and environmentally safe.

According to a Vinacomin report yesterday morning, May 16, the plants have exploited 1.6 million tons of bauxite ore to produce 265,000 tons of refined bauxite up to this April.

According to the group, by April, the total cost for both plants are estimated at VND11.6 trillion (US$0.5 billion).

Vinacomin said the time of capital return for the Lam Dong complex was 12 years and Tan Rai 13 years. Both projects put about VND850 billion ($41.4 million) into the State budget each year - and provide for about 3,000 people.

The group also said that the technologies used do not harm the environment. Viet Nam is said to have 10 to 11 billion of tonnes of bauxite, mainly found in the Central Highlands, but it still has to import 100 per cent of alumina for production.

Source: VNS