Bauxite developments in Vietnam : Opportunities and Challenges

Bauxite developments in Vietnam : Opportunities and Challenges

Bauxite is the principal raw material to produce alumina. Bauxite mining industry has grown gradually due to the rising demand for alumina. U.S Geological Surveys (USGS 2018) estimates the world's reserves of bauxite roughly 55-75 billion tonnes. Vietnam holds up to 3.7 billion tonnes, the third after Guinea and Australia. Most of bauxite reserves are located in Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands), and have only been minimally mined to date. The approved master plan in 2007 of the Government of Vietnam licenses bauxite mining and alumina production projects in Central Highlands through six projects until 2025. These projects constitute many potentially enormous economic, social and environmental impacts.