Promote the growth of Vietnam's rare earths industry

DNHN - Second in the world in terms of reserves in Vietnam. Vietnam's rare earth industry is still on a small scale, with almost no rare earth-using industries.

The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology coordinated with the Ministry of Science and Technology on October 18 in Hanoi to organize a workshop entitled "Vietnam Rare Earth: Current Status of Mining, Processing Technology, and Prospects." At the conference, scientists proposed processing special high-value elements such as Pr and Nd and constructing a research and transfer center to master the development of fundamental ore processing technology. Rare.

According to evaluation reports, Vietnam's rare earth reserves amount to approximately 22 million tonnes. Mines in Vietnam are primarily located in the provinces of Lao Cai, Yen Bai, and Lai Chau in the country's northwest.

On 18 July 2023, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 866/QD-TTg approving the Planning for exploration, exploitation, processing, and use of minerals in the period 2021-2030, approximately Looking to 2050 (referred to as Mineral Planning), which directs the synchronous, effective, and sustainable development of the mining, processing, and use of rare earth minerals. For newly licensed enterprises to exploit rare earth minerals, they must have a plan to process a minimum product of the total rare earth (hydroxide oxide, salt) containing 95% TREO and promote the production of rare earth minerals. Producing individual rare earth elements (REO), using cutting-edge technology and equipment, maximizing the recovery of valuable minerals, protecting the environment, and ensuring radiation safety.

Vietnam has not yet mastered rare earth processing technology and cannot process hydrometallurgical products and extract rare earth oxides separately to meet domestic and international demand.

Mr. Do Nam Binh - Head of Metallurgical Minerals Department - Department of Industry (Ministry of Industry and Trade) - stated at the conference that Vietnam has only reached the stage of processing rare earth ores with a 30% content; it is not yet possible to process hydrometallurgical products and separate rare earth oxides to meet domestic and foreign demand. According to Mr. Do Nam Binh, the Ministry of Industry and Trade consulted with other ministries, branches, and localities before submitting the Mineral Planning Implementation Plan to the Prime Minister for consideration and approval.

Vietnam's rare earth reserves account for 19% of the world's total, placing it in second place behind China (38%). However, mining is still minimal in mines such as Nam Xe, Dong Pao (Lai Chau), and Yen Phu mine (Yen Bai), and industrial use of rare earth is almost nonexistent. The mining and processing of fine ore is not economically efficient, pollutes the environment, and employs toxic extraction chemicals. Mr. Liem stated that to master rare earths, it is necessary to build projects and laboratories to improve research capacity, exploitation, and processing technology, with a focus on the deep processing and application of rare earths in high-value industrial products.

In analyzing the opportunities, benefits, and efficacy of the rare earth industrial process in Vietnam, experts note that rare earth is currently used to manufacture wind turbines, magnets, etc. for the renewable energy sector and green transportation (electric vehicles). Thus, it is anticipated that the demand for rare earths for magnets on the global market will double by 2030, quadruple by 2050, and then sharply decline as the focus shifts to development. Recycling technologies and substitute materials.

One fact is that the global market for rare earths is worth less than 10 billion US dollars per year, whereas the oil market will be worth approximately 2 trillion US dollars by 2022. In particular, the mining and processing of rare earths are inefficient. Typically, exploitation of a rare earth mine requires 10 years to complete the necessary paperwork and procedures. Due to the necessity of felling trees and excavating raw ore, its exploitation consumes excessive energy and pollutes the environment. Too many chemicals are used in the processing of fine ores, resulting in the risk of environmental contamination and high prices. The economic significance is low. At the stage of separating elements from refined ores, more toxic chemicals are employed even though profits are negligible.

In the entire rare earth production chain, the application of rare earths in the production of permanent magnets, wind turbines, and electric car engines provides the greatest economic value; this step also has minimal environmental impact. the top institution. Vietnam conducts small-scale rare earth mining in several mines in Lao Cai, Lai Chau, and Yen Bai at present. Vietnam has a factory for rare earth extraction, but no rare earth-using industries.

Ngoc Phi (TH)