World leading mining experts present in Australia-Vietnam sustainable mining workshop
World leading sustainable mining experts from the Australian International Mining for Development Centre came to Hanoi on 29th and 30th June to share their experience at the Australia-Vietnam Sustainable Mining Workshop. The event, organized by the Australian Government and Vietnam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, was opened by Vietnam’s Natural Resources and Environment Vice Minister Tran Hong Ha and Australian Ambassador Hugh Borrowman.
“Australia has a mature mining and resources industry built on nearly 200 years of experience. So the Australian mining industry has considerable experience in bringing together the concepts of environmental accountability, social responsibility and commercial success”, said Australian Ambassador Hugh Borrowman. “Sustainable mining depends on excellence in mine safety and health as well as optimising the extraction of the mineral resource or resource efficiency.”
The Australia Vietnam Sustainable Mining Workshop aims to provide delegates with an understanding of the significance of sustainable development in the mining industry; an awareness of the Australian model of leading practice, an appreciation of leading policies and regulation of mining on the land, water and in mine closure; and an appreciation of the sustainability issues in the Vietnam mining context.
Earlier this year, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Minh Quang led a Vietnam mining delegation to Australia and saw first-hand how Australia utilized sustainable mining principles to run efficient, productive, environmentally compliant and safe mines.
Vietnam has two examples of World class managed mine sites - Nui Phao Tungsten project (Thai Nguyen), owned by Masan Resources Corporation under Masan Group and Asian Mineral Resources (AMR) operates the Ban Phuc Nickel Mine (90%) in partnership with COXAMA (10%) an equitised Vietnamese company. Both Nui Phao and Ban Phuc are managed by Australian led management teams. These mines adhere to Australian sustainable mining practices, processes and utilize Australian mining technologies and services.
Dominic Heaton, CEO of Masan Resources, a subsidiary of Masan Group and the parent company of Nui Phao, commented: “One highlight of our sustainable development program is our Nui Phao economic restoration program at the Nui Phao project which continues to build momentum and return viable results for participants. In 2014 we enjoyed greater participation of our host communities in identifying impacts and finding solutions to them. These efforts were recognized by third parties with in Nui Phao receiving a number of locally prestigious awards, including being the only mining company to receive and “Outstanding Enterprise Award” at the Asia Pacific Excellence Awards, and 2015 Green Growth award from MoNRE.
Ban Phuc Nickel’s Australian Management Team and Australian Mining Contractor Mancala in coordination with our joint venture party COXAMA operate a modern mining and mineral extractive processing facility under sustainable standards and practices developed in the Australian Mining Industry.
Mr. Spencer said: “A key component of Ban Phuc’s success is the commitment to the development, training and engagement of our National workforce. Currently Ban Phuc workforce is 93% National and growing. We have been able to adapt culturally to ensure the successful implementation and compliance”
In October 2013 Ban Phuc exported Vietnam’s first ever Nickel Concentrate to international markets, placing Vietnam on the map of emerging nickel producers. Ban Phuc continues to explore for Nickel using modern exploration practices across its exploration licenses to drive mine life and growth.
For further information, please contact Ms. Hoa Nguyen - Senior Business Development Manager - Australian Trade Commission, Mobile +84 (0) 913 238 773. [email protected].