Exploration, mining and processing bauxite ore will be implemented in Quang Yen and Phuc Hoa districts. The Vietnamese partners will hold the majority of shares in the joint ventures.

Licences for bauxite ore mining and processing projects in Cao Bang will be considered after exploration reports of bauxite ore reserves are approved by the Council for Assessment of Mineral Reserves.

Hai made the decision after referring to opinions of the Ministries of Planning and Investment, Natural Resources and the Environment, and Industry & Trade.

Meanwhile, the dispute between experts about bauxite projects in Cao Bang hasn’t finished. Some worry about environmental pollution caused by these projects but others said it is a waste if natural resources are not mined.

China recently closed 100 bauxite mines because these mines caused serious pollution.