The Government to stop licensing bauxite exploration projects in north

The PM approved, however, the continuation of the existing bauxite exploitation projects in Tan Rai and Nhan Co mines so as to ensure materials for two alumina production facilities located in the Central Highlands provinces of Lam Dong and Dak Nong.

Only when these two projects become operational and have evaluations on their  socio-economic impacts, will other bauxite mines be approved. But the PM will still not license any such operation in the north. 

The move is aimed to tighten control over general mineral management in the country. A large number of licenses have been given to mineral exploitation and processing projects, however many of them do not operate efficiently.

The number of illegal mineral exports has been on the rise, and is posing difficulties for authorities.