HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam National Coal – Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin) on Wednesday inaugurated the copper plant No 2 at Sin Quyền copper complex in the northern province of Lào Cai.

The plant has an investment capital of more than VNĐ2.56 trillion (US$110 million) and is aimed at improving the capacity of Sin Quyền copper complex.

With a designed capacity of 44,200 tonnes of copper ore each year, the plant is expected to supply enough materials to meet the needs of local refining companies.

Since it started commercial operations in January this year, the plant has mined more than 3,300 tonnes of copper ore, ensuring sufficient supply of raw materials for copper factories in Lào Cai.

The plant has already created hundreds of jobs and stable income for local residents. It is expected to contribute VNĐ500-600 billion per year to the provincial budget.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Trịnh Đình Dũng stressed the need for effective management and exploitation of minerals to develop the economy while ensuring national security and protecting the environment.

The Deputy PM asked the province to continue supporting mineral projects, especially in compensation, land clearance and resettlement work.

It should join hands with competent agencies to map local mineral reserves and zone off areas with potential for natural resource development, he said.

Dũng hailed Vinacomin’s efforts in overcoming challenges to develop production and business and ensure national power security. He ordered the group to accelerate its projects, particularly the Lào Cai copper refining plant, to bring the total refining capacity to 30,000 tonnes by the end of 2020.

He said Vinacomin should apply advanced technologies in production and pay due attention to environmental protection, labour safety, development of essential infrastructure and improvement of local livelihoods. — VNS