Việt Nam has the world's second-largest reserves of rare earths - an estimated 22 million tonnes. Photo baodautu.vn

HÀ NỘI – Việt Nam has the world's second-largest reserves of rare earths, an estimated 22 million tonnes, yet the resources have remained untapped, scientists have said.

Development directions for the industry were discussed by scientists at a recent symposium held in Hà Nội by the Việt Nam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

They suggested developing the processing of special high-value elements such as Pr and Nd, and building research and transfer centres to master core technology in extractive metallurgy.

VAST President Prof. Châu Văn Minh pointed out that with the current technology, Việt Nam is unable to mine and process rare earths, and so far countries do not transfer technology in the field. 

According to research studies, Việt Nam’s rare earth mines are mainly concentrated in its northwestern provinces of Lào Cai, Yên Bái and Lai Châu.

The Prime Minister on July 18 issued a decision approving a master plan on the exploration, exploitation, processing and use of minerals for 2021-2030 with a vision towards 2050, which targets harmony, efficiency and sustainability in the rare earth industry.

Professor Nguyễn Quang Liêm, former Director of the Institute of Materials Science under VAST, said it is necessary to launch projects and build laboratories to improve research capacity, as well as exploitation and processing technology, focusing on intensive processing and utilisation of rare earths for industrial products with high economic value.

Rare earths are being used to produce wind turbines and magnets, and serve renewable energy and green transportation sectors, he said, stressing that the global demand for rare earths is expected to double by 2030 and quadruple by 2050.

He also pointed to environmental impacts from rare earth exploitation and suggested more research on this issue.

The conference looked into research cooperation between businesses and scientists in order to raise the efficiency of rare earth exploitation and processing, fostering the industry in Việt Nam. VNS