New circular revolutionizes mining projects from July 2025!

New circular revolutionizes mining projects from July 2025!

On May 29, 2025 there will be news on the regulation of investment projects in the field of mineral extraction in Vietnam. According to a circular that forms the basis for the new guidelines, the content and areas of application for such projects are clearly defined. These regulations not only concern the extraction of minerals, but exclude oil, gas and other natural water sources, with the exception of natural mineral and hot water sources. The circular applies to organizations and individuals active in the field of mineral extraction and construction investment consulting.

The responsible state administrative authorities refer to the relevant laws, including the Construction, Planning and Minerals Act. Basic design content for mineral extraction investment projects is established, including mine planning content and construction drawings. What is particularly important is that Circular 31/2025/TT-BCT repeals the previous Circular No. 26/2016/TT-BCT and comes into force on July 1, 2025.

Sustainability in the raw materials sector

A key aspect for the sustainable development of the raw materials sector is the availability of comprehensive information on mineral resources. Mining authorities work to collect data on extractive industries and geology, which is published in the form of mineral resource maps, inventories and investment guidelines. This information helps reduce commercial risks for companies and encourages investment in exploration and mining.

Providing such data facilitates access to the raw materials sector and increases the chances of discovering profitable deposits. However, not all discovered resources are economically viable; the market value of a metal does not always explain its true economic value. After successful exploration, mining companies carry out extensive economic evaluation processes before they can take the step of authorizing mining.

Tools to improve efficiency

A specially developed toolkit supports mining authorities in the economic assessment of potential mineral resource projects. It enables monetary valuation in early development phases as well as comprehensive profitability analysis in the feasibility study phase. The final assessment will also take into account environmental and social impacts as well as the existing infrastructure.

The toolkit was first successfully implemented in Tajikistan and is now also used by other countries as part of German development cooperation. After appropriate training, the Economic Geology Working Group can independently use the toolkit to reassess mineral resource deposits. The digitization of these tools has allowed them to be accessible on the Sector Program website, representing a valuable step for public authorities, companies and educational institutions.

The current developments in Vietnam and the initiatives to promote raw material extraction show how important efficient regulations and comprehensive information are for the sustainable use of mineral resources. Both the new guidelines and the support provided by the toolkit are crucial factors in successfully shaping the future of the extractive sector.

For more information about the new regulations, please visit Vietnam.vn as well as the raw material potential BMZ.de.