Four trillion VND needed for exploring uranium, precious stone mines

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam will need an estimated 3.3-4.06 trillion VND
for the exploration of uranium, precious stone and rare soil between
now and 2025.
The estimation is indicated in a master plan on the exploration,
exploitation and processing of precious stone, rare soil and uranium
resources to 2015, with a vision to 2025, which has been approved
recently by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT).
Under the scheme, six precious stone mines will be put into operation in central Nghe An province and northern Yen Bai province by 2015 and further investment will be sought after 2015 for the exploration and exploitation of three more mines in Yen Bai and four more mines in Nghe An.
The plan also envisages that the country will be able to conduct certain steps in the nuclear fuel process by 2025 and move towards producing nuclear fuel from domestically-tapped uranium.
The MTI said it will encourage both local and foreign investors to join in mining and processing valuable stone and rare soil, with priority being given to processing.
The Ministry will work to improve regulations on natural resources
management for more efficient use of the resources in combination with
environmental protection.