Huge titanium processing complex proposed in Binh Thuan
By Van Nam
- The Saigon Times Daily
HCMC – The Department of Geology and Minerals of Vietnam is
seeking Government approval for a 100-square-kilometer complex to tap titanium
ores in the south-central coast province
of Binh Thuan.
Tran Van Mien, head of the department’s Geology Office, told
the Daily on Tuesday that the ministry had discovered a titanium mine with
reserves estimated at 540 million tons, which encompasses Ninh Thuan, Binh
Thuan and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces. Most of the ores found are sparsely
located in coastal areas in Binh Thuan.
“The department has suggested building the complex to
extract and process up to 150 million tons of titanium ores,” said Mien.
“The remaining 300 million tons should be kept as a national reserve
resource for the coming generations.”
He said the appropriate exploitation and the complete
processing of titanium would create a key economic development driver for the
three provinces in the future.
Mien noted the region had in recent years attracted many
investors committed to other industries than titanium but in fact they wanted
to tap huge titanium ores. In some areas, haphazard titanium mining has
spiraled out of control and caused damages to the economy and environment.
“If Government approval is forthcoming, this will become the
largest titanium complex in the country,” he said. The project planned for
development in Tuy Phong District will need huge capital.
According to environment experts, Vietnam has huge titanium
potential. Titanium is a heat-resistant and uneroded agent suitable for the
aeronautical industry and other industries.
The precious mineral, however, is hindering economic
development in Binh
Thuan Province
because most of the areas found to contain titanium overlap many licensed
industrial parks, resorts and wind mill projects in the province.