Vietnam, US offer training on sustainable rare earth development
The Vietnam Geological Department (VGD) and the US Department of State's Bureau of Energy Resources partnered to host a technical training session on economic geology and mineral resource reserve valuation methods in Hanoi on March 21.
Hanoi (VNA) – TheVietnam Geological Department (VGD) and the US Department of State's Bureau ofEnergy Resources partnered to host a technical training session on economicgeology and mineral resource reserve valuation🐬 methods in Hanoi on March 21.
Thisevent was within the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding previouslysigned by the both sides. Speakingat the session, VGD Deputy Director Le Quoc Hung said Vietnam possesses around 60 different types ofmineral resources across over 5,000 mines and exploitation sites, rankingsecond globally in terms of rare earth reserves. The session aims to equip the Vietnamese mining officials with information andknowledge on rare earthelements, particularly their integration into the global supply chain up to internationalpractices, he added.
Sharinghis insights on the prospects of the rare earth market, David Bird, a miningvaluation expert from Deloitte's mining consulting group in the US, said thedemand for this mineral is projected to surge significant in the coming decade,driven by the growing use of rare earth permanent magnet (REPM) in electricvehicles, wind turbines, and other purposes. Notably, this will translate into increased demand for rare earth elements such as neodymium REOand magnetic praseodymium.
Thesession explored key areassuch as the rare earth supply chain and market development strategies, economicgeology fundamentals, asset valuation methods, ownership rights and financialregimes.
Participants proposed solutions to rare earthdevelopment such as investing in eco-friendly processing technologies, issuing stabletax policies and fees for a minimum period of around 10 years, and ensuring transparentproject implementation processes.
On the ocꦆcasion, a seminar on the sustainable developmentof Vietnamese rare earth resources was also held./.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed a decision approving the master plan on exploration, exploitation, processing, and use of mineral resources for the 2021 – 2030 period, with a vision to 2050.
Vietnam’s rare earth mining industry will likely experience rapid growth in the near future, according to industry experts, as demand has been on the rise steadily in the last few decades.
Vietnam has the world's second-largest reserves of rare earths - an estimated 22 million tonnes - yet the resources have remained untapped, scientists have said.
Mariam Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said the World Bank remains committed to working with the Vietnamese government to develop the next phase of climate resilience and transformation for the Mekong Delta.
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According to Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Space Centre and head of the project, this is the first study in Vietnam to simultaneously employ Sentinel-2 satellite data, advanced machine learning algorithms, and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to model and monitor key seawater quality parameters.
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Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
Illustrative image (Photo: vneconomy.vn) 
