Vietnam Ranks Second in Bauxite Reserves

This means that Vietnam has the potential to become a major producer of aluminum, which creates favorable conditions for the country's overall economic development. However, it is imperative to comprehensively assess impacts on the environment, society, and national security.

Moreover, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine resulted in the closure of a 1.7-million-ton-per-year alumina refinery in Ukraine. In Europe, high energy costs led to the temporary shutdown of a 600,000-ton-per-year alumina refinery in Romania and a 1.7-million-ton-per-year refinery in Spain curtailed production by up to 60%. Numerous primary aluminum smelters and aluminum product manufacturers in Europe also announced closures or partial curtailments.

The data reprensents that bauxite resources range from 55 billion to 75 billion tons worldwide. These resources are distributed across different regions, with Africa accounting for 32%, Oceania 23%, South America and the Caribbean 21%, Asia 18%, and other regions 6%. Guinea is the leader with a bauxite reserve of 7,400,000 tons. Vietnam ranks second with a bauxite reserve of 5,800,000 tons.

Reddish Bauxite rock

Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade highlights the Central Highlands region's substantial potential and high-quality bauxite ore as a major advantage for the country's bauxite mining and processing industry.

The nation classifies its bauxite ore into two main types, with residual bauxite concentrated in northern provinces like Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Bac Giang, Son La, and Nghe An. Southern provinces such as Kon Tum, Dak Nong, Lam Dong, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Phu Yen, and Quang Ngai host the lateritic “phong hóa” bauxite ore.

While bauxite ore is distributed evenly throughout Vietnam, the government prioritizes the exploitation of bauxite resources in the Central Highlands. According to the Department of Science and Technology in Dak Nong, Dak Nong province is recognized as having the highest potential for the development of the country's aluminum industry and aluminum refining.

Bauxite mining in the Central Highlands of Vietnam

The province boasts a rich abundance of natural resources, with 218 mines and mining sites containing 16 significant mineral deposits. Understanding the substantial potential of bauxite, Dak Nong province has prioritized the growth of the aluminum industry, aluminum refining, and energy as key drivers for its economic and social objectives, as well as for environmental protection, national defense, and security.

The province is dedicated to harnessing the aluminum industry as a crucial catalyst for economic advancement. By the year 2030, Dak Nong aims to become a thriving and sustainable economic province within the Central Highlands region, with a strong emphasis on industrial development as the primary engine of growth. Additionally, the province envisions becoming a national hub for the bauxite-aluminum industry and post-aluminum industry, a prominent center for renewable energy in the region, and a renowned destination for resorts and eco-tourism.