The industry in general and the extractive mining industry in particular have made important contributions to national development, ensured national energy security and supplied essential materials for the economy in recent years. However, without good management, industrial production and mining will cause adverse impact on the environment.
Environmental protection has helped resolve a lot of issues. However, after having been unprotected for over 100 years, it is hard to tackle even dumpsites, mineral roads and surroundings. Investment for coal conveyor lines, warehouses and technologies requires huge capital, thus placing a heavy burden on businesses.
There are many reasons for this reality, including unfocused investment.
To reduce and prevent adverse impacts of production on the environment and climate change, meet environmental standards, and gradually make mining industry and manufacturing industries green, friendly economic sectors, the Vietnam National Coal, Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin) will continue to guide the implementation of some measures in the coming years.
Firstly, strengthening the Party leadership in environmental protection, coordination of specialised bodies with enterprise unions and relevant authorities.
Secondly, further informing and communicating on environmental protection to raise public awareness, particularly of key employees of the group to create fundamental changes in responsibility and initiative in environmental protection.
Thirdly, improving internal policies, stabilising and strengthening environmental management system at all levels, developing intensive environmental workforce to carry out tasks set for the new period.
Fourthly, mobilising funds for environmental protection, using at least 1.5 - 2 per cent of revenue from production for environmental protection; mobilising international capital, social capital and other investment sources to relocate production facilities, residential zones, etc.
Fifthly, carrying out these works in enterprises with the aim of resolving every issue and area completely.
Sixthly, applying environmental protection of technologies, strengthening international cooperation in human resources training and development, capturing and applying technical technologies to environmental protection, investing and renovating production technologies towards modernity, environmental friendliness and energy saving
To improve environmental protection, Vinacomin hopes the Government will have regulations on minimum spending on this work, without any cap on maximum spending.
The group recommended the Government and central authorities to reduce licences, legal documents on environment. For example, extractive mining now requires 6-7 licences and legal documents.
Finally, as mineral resources are limited and increasingly depleted, exploitation is causing significant consequences on the environment. Currently, not only Vinacomin but many other companies and economic sectors as well are extracting minerals. State-owned enterprises now comply with environmental requirements but other economic sectors are causing negative impacts. Hence, to mitigate the damage, the Government should issue preferential policies to encourage the development and use of renewable energy sources, push businesses to invest in modern, environmentally friendly production technologies to reduce climate change impacts.
Le Minh Chuan
President of Vinacomin
Vietnamese
