The160 kilometer long conveyor would specialize in carrying coal from the two provinces of Sekong and Salavan in Laos to the seaport of My Thuy in Vietnam to serve transit and export demand.

In a document sent to the Government Office and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Quang Tri People’s Committee pointed out that Vietnam’s coal demand is high, but the infrastructure at La Lay border gate in Dak Rong district of Quang Tri cannot satisfy requirements, thus causing congestion. That is why enterprises cannot increase their output.

Quang Tri suggested installing a conveyor to carry coal from Laos to My Thuy seaport in Hai Lang district with the capacity of 1,500-6,000 tons per hour. This will be implemented in many stages and developed with capital from enterprises.

The system, once operational, will transport 15-20 million tons of coal from Laos to Vietnam each year.

In Laos, coal is carried for 85 kilometers from the mine to the La Lay border gate, while in Vietnam, coal is transported from La Lay to the seaport. 

The total investment capital for the conveyor section in Vietnam is about VND10.8 trillion. In the immediate future, a 5 kilometer conveyor at La Lay border gate with the capacity of 6,000 tons per hour will be set up across the Vietnam-Laos border line.

According to Le Duc Tien, deputy chair of Quang Tri, border experts of the two countries agreed to propose that the two governments permit a coal conveyor in the border area which would replace truck transport.

Quang Tri’s leaders believe the solution will increase coal import capacity, minimize risks, protect the environment, and avoid damages to transport infrastructure.

They also asked for the Prime Minister’s permission to build warehouses and conveyors in the La Lay border area, assign Quang Tri province to cooperate with Lao Salavan province to design and execute the items, and ask relevant ministries to support investment procedures.

Field research found that the coal reserves in Sekong and Salavan are about 1 billion tons, while demand for transporting coal to Vietnam for use and export to third countries is 20-30 million tons a year.

However, infrastructure at La Lay international border gate is poor with no ground for gathering. Congestion causes pollution and affects traffic safety.

Quang Thanh