THE PRIME MINISTER OF GOVERNMENT
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SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
Independence - Freedom - Happiness
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No: 124/2006/QD-TTg
Hanoi, May 30, 2006
 
DECISION
APPROVING THE PLANNING ON EXPLORATION, EXPLOITATION, PROCESSING AND USE OF IRON ORES UP TO 2010, WITH ORIENTATIONS TOWARD 2020
THE PRIME MINISTER
Pursuant to the December 25, 2001 Law on Organization of the Government;
At the proposal of the Industry Ministry in Documents No. 4469/TTr-KH of August 19, 2005, and No. 387/BCN-KH of January 18, 2006; and after considering opinions of concerned ministries and agencies,
 
DECIDES:
Article 1.- To approve the planning on exploration, exploitation, processing and use of iron ores up to 2010, with orientations toward 2020, with the following principal contents:
1. Viewpoints:
a/ Vietnam's iron ores should be explored, exploited, processed and used rationally, economically and efficiently, while the eco-environment should be protected and social security and order be ensured in localities having iron ores.
b/ The planning on exploration and exploitation of iron ores shall serve as a basis for restoring order in mineral activities according to the provisions of law, guaranteeing the interests of the State, enterprises and people in localities having iron ores.
c/ Building and developing the iron ore exploitation and processing industry with modern technologies, suitable to Vietnam's conditions; increasing the mineral recovery co-efficient.
d/ Encouraging various economic sectors to invest in exploration, exploitation and processing of iron ores on the basis of observing the provisions of law on mineral activities, ensuring labor safety and protecting natural resources.
2. Objectives
a/ To meet domestic metallurgical establishments' demand for iron ore materials, set aside part of iron ore materials for export in exchange for coke and fat coal for metallurgical purposes.
b/ To carry out geological surveys primarily in potential magnetite-ore places and in combination with other geological tasks.
c/ To prepare adequate documents on reserves, quality and exploitation conditions of mines which shall be put to exploitation before 2020.
d/ To identify exploration and exploitation areas, including areas where mineral activities are banned or restricted, ensuring that mineral activities are carried out in accordance with the provisions of law.
3. The Planning's contents
a/ Demand for iron ores: To meet the iron ore demands of pig-iron refinery establishments and cement industry; to export part of iron ores exploited from mines outside material areas already planned for metallurgical establishments in exchange for coke and fat coal (planned to be 1.5 million tons in 2006; 9 million tons by 2010; 15 million tons by 2015; and 16 million tons by 2020).
b/ Planning on exploration: From now to 2020, to explore as planned 14 mines and mine areas, of which 2 mines shall be additionally explored and 3 mines shall be transferred to localities for management. The exploration results should ensure sufficient reserves for stable exploitation in mine areas in Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang; to prepare resources for planning the exploitation and processing in new mine areas in Tran Yen (Yen Bai), Tong Ba (Ha Giang), Thanh Son (Phu Tho), and Mo Duc (Quang Ngai) after 2015. See details in Appendix I enclosed herewith.
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