With abundant mineral potential, Binh Thuan is facing a golden opportunity to become the industrial center of mineral exploitation and processing in the South Central region. However, development must go hand in hand with environmental protection, modern technology and long-term planning. Only then will mineral resources truly become a solid foundation for sustainable economic development of the locality.
1. Overview of Mineral Resources in Binh Thuan
Binh Thuan is one of Vietnam’s most mineral-rich and geologically diverse provinces. With a landscape that includes both mountainous areas and extensive coastal zones, the province boasts numerous economically valuable mineral resources, such as:
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Titanium (titanium-zircon placer deposits): Holding over 90% of the country’s reserves, mainly concentrated in coastal districts like Bac Binh, Tuy Phong, and Ham Thuan Nam.
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White sand and construction sand: Abundant supplies support the construction materials industry and glass, industrial glass manufacturing.
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Construction stone, granite, decorative stone: Mainly found in Tan Linh, Ham Tan, and surrounding areas.
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Bauxite, clay, kaolin, mineral water, etc.: Great potential for the development of processing industries and construction materials.
2. Economic Development Opportunities from Minerals
a. Driving force for the deep processing industry
If properly invested, mineral resources can become key inputs for deep-processing industries such as titanium pigment production, premium tiles and roofing, industrial paints, and refractory materials.
b. Job creation and budget contribution
Mining and mineral processing projects generate thousands of jobs for local workers and make significant contributions to the provincial budget.
c. Infrastructure development in remote areas
Many poor areas like Bac Binh and Tuy Phong have seen improvements thanks to mining activities, with developments in roads, electricity, water, and local livelihoods.
3. Challenges Faced
a. Environmental impacts
If not strictly managed, mining—especially titanium extraction—can lead to erosion, salinization, water pollution, and ecological imbalance.
b. Lack of integrated planning
Some projects face overlapping land-use plans between mining, tourism, and agriculture, leading to conflicts in land management.
c. Outdated mining and processing technology
Most current mining enterprises still use old, low-efficiency technologies, which waste resources and harm the environment.
4. Toward Sustainable Development
a. Enhanced planning and strict supervision
Binh Thuan is reviewing and adjusting its mining plans to align with sustainable development, avoiding uncontrolled exploitation.
b. Prioritizing clean mining technologies
Enterprises are encouraged to invest in advanced, eco-friendly technologies and to restore landscapes after mining activities.
c. Integrating industrial growth with environmental protection
Only projects that pass environmental impact assessments and commit to post-mining land restoration are permitted to operate.
d. Promoting deep processing
Rather than exporting raw materials, Binh Thuan is encouraging the establishment of local mineral processing plants to increase added value and retain profits within the province.