Two pilot bauxite projects in Lam Dong and Dak Nong provinces have significantly contributed to the Central Highlands' development in recent years, which is a premise to consider the expansion of bauxite exploitation and processing in the region, said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at a meeting in Hanoi on April 16.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (Photo: VNA)

The meeting aims to review the 10-year implementation of the Politburo’s conclusion on planning, zoning off for exploration, exploitation and processing of bauxite ore during the 2007-2015 period, with a vision to 2025.

The Tan Rai and Nhan Co bauxite exploitation and processing projects in Lam Dong and Dak Nong provinces started work in 2008 and 2010, respectively. They have earned profits since 2017, one year ahead of schedule.

 The per capita income of local residents has increased to VND65 million (US$2,775) per year at present from VND17 million (US$725.9) before 2007, the meeting heard.

 PM Phuc said that in the future, if the aluminum industry is developed based on the two projects, it must be closely linked to the market in order to ensure economic efficiency by mobilising potential businesses in various sectors to jointly invest in projects.

 Besides roads, it is necessary to study the development of other ways of transportation from the aluminum factories in the Central Highlands to seaports, as well as promote the application of new technologies to treat red mud (bauxite residue after alumina has been extracted), PM Phuc said.

 He emphasised that to ensure sustainable development of the aluminum and aluminium smelting industry, special attention must be paid to environmental protection, security and defence, social order and safety, and particularly protecting the living environment for Central Highland people, including mountains, forests, water, air and unique culture of ethnic minorities.