Vinacomin - Cao Son Coal: Effort towards Sustainable Development

After 36 years of construction and development, demonstrating the ability to surmount numerous difficulties and challenges, Vinacomin - Cao Son Coal Joint Stock Company has not only asserted its leadership in the Vietnamese coalmining industry but also achieved significant progress in sustainable development.

In the late 1970s, coalminers in Cam Pha often said that they would rather retreat than work in Cao Son. Actually, the first staff were those left go from other enterprises. Besides, the long strip of Cao Son colliery from the east to north upset all involved. The geological conditions were complex due to multiple tectonic fractures, high stripping factor (an average of 10 cubic metres of soil per tonne of coal. The ground was the hardest among open pits in the region. Complex terrain, high mountains (the highest point is 436 metres above sea level) and deep streams made coalmining more difficult. At present, after a long time of mining, its collieries are getting deeper and production equipment is getting degraded. Therefore, when Vietnam initiated the market economy regime, the company encountered new difficulties.

 

But in the spirit of 'Discipline and solidarity,' Cao Son coalminers were always brave, creative and energetic to complete all objectives, tasks and plans. After 36 years of construction and development, the company has achieved significant growth and an increasingly important position in the coal industry. To date, the company has cleared over 250 million cubic metres of soil and produced 37.9 million tonnes of coal.

Especially, from 2005 to 2009, the company produced 15 million tonnes and cleared 126 million cubic metres of rock and soil, accounting for 48 percent and 51 percent of total coal exploited and soil cleared.

 

Mr Nguyen Xuan Lap, Director of the Company, said the above results came from continuous investment for renovation and modernisation of mining technologies. At the present time, the company has 33 trucks with load capacity of 55 - 96 tonnes, hydraulic crawler exactors PC-750, PC-1.800 and CAT -365, earthmovers D85A and D155A, hydraulic drillers DML-1600. These machines and equipment helped boost productivity and increase coal quality. With good preparing and processing activities, the company’s products are sold in both domestic and foreign markets. The output of high-quality coal (dust coal 1, 2 and 3) won the Vietnam Gold Star Award 2004 from the Central Committee of the Vietnam Young Businesses Association, Golden Globe Award 2005 from the Ministry of Trade, and the Trademark Gold Cup 2005 from Southeast Asia Science Technology Association and Richard-Moor Company (USA).

Coal production and processing is often an extensively environment-polluting activity, particularly open-pit mining. Thus, the company attaches much important to applying solutions to minimise the impacts of dust, noise, wasted soil, sewage and industrial waste, as it plays a decisive role in sustainable development.

In 2008, Vinacomin - Cao Son Coal Joint Stock Company was one of the first member companies of Vietnam National Coal, Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin) to set up an environment commission under the direct management of the director. Its main functions include applying solutions to coal construction and processing which meet regulations of the Environment Law and build an environment-friendly coal production. 

 

From the stage of explosive drilling, the company applies the wet drilling technology to limit the spread of dust, chooses explosives and accessories to lighten environmental impacts like dust, vibration and noise. As regards pit sewage, the company also invests to build a standardised pit wastewater treatment system which processes wastewater for livelihood and industrial use. Besides, it plants trees on landfills deactivated for five years, builds dykes to prevent landslides and protects the Mong Duong River.

 

Besides, Vinacomin - Cao Son also uses mass media to boost awareness and responsibility for environmental protection. It also joins hands with large training centres to open courses with the aim of heightening the knowledge and awareness of its staff on environmental protection. With its proper environmental care and action, Vinacomin Cao Son was awarded the certificate of merit and award of environment by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in 2008.

 

Last but not least, the company has also been presented many noble titles and awards from the Party, the State, the Government, ministries, central agencies and localities: The leading flag in the emulation campaign of the Government in 1999 and 2004; the leading flag in the emulation campaign of the Ministry of Industry (now the Ministry of Industry and Trade) in 1999 and 2008; the First-grade Labour Medal in 2002; the third-grade Independence Medal in 2003, and the second-grade Independence Medal in 2009. Especially, on June 30, 2005, the company was awarded the “Labour Hero” title for its outstanding achievements in the Renovation (doi moi) Period from 1995 to 2004 and its contributions to the cause of socialist construction and national protection.

 

Vinacomin - Cao Son Coal Joint Stock Company was set up on June 6, 1974 under the design and construction of the former Soviet Union. Its coal site covers an area of 6 square kilometres, about 15 km from Cam Pha Town on the northeast. The colliery is bordered by Coc Sau Coal Joint Stock Company in the east, Deo Nai Coal Joint Stock Company in the south, Thong Nhat Coal Company and Noi Dia Coal Company in the west, and Khe Cham Coal Company and Mong Duong Coal Company in the north.