General Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, joined central and local leaders at the Nhan Co Industrial Park on 26/7 for the ceremony marking the launch of Vietnam's first aluminum ingot product.

Deputy Prime Minister Phan Van Giang and leaders from Lam Dong province observed the newly produced aluminum ingots at the Dak Nong Aluminum Electrolysis Plant on the morning of 26/7. *Photo: Le Phuoc*

The Dak Nong Aluminum Electrolysis Plant project, an investment by Tran Hong Quan Metallurgy Co., Ltd., covers over 129 hectares within the Nhan Co Industrial Park (formerly Dak Nong). Construction began in 2015.

This facility is Vietnam's first plant for producing metal aluminum, representing the final stage in the industrial chain that spans bauxite mining, alumina processing, and metal aluminum production. It boasts a capacity of 450,000 tons of aluminum per year, structured into three phases.

The investor has completed equipment installation for phase one, which has a capacity of 150,000 tons per year and is now operational. Installation for phase two, with a 300,000 tons per year capacity, is ongoing and expected to commence operations in QIV this year. Phase three, designed for a full capacity of 450,000 tons per year, is slated for completion in QI 2027.

The operational project is poised to significantly boost provincial budget revenue, accelerate GRDP growth, and generate employment for approximately 3,500 local residents. It will also help meet the domestic demand for metal aluminum, substantially improve the trade balance, and reduce aluminum imports by an estimated 1,5 billion USD annually.

During the announcement ceremony, General Phan Van Giang, speaking on behalf of the Government, commended Tran Hong Quan Metallurgy Co., Ltd. for its persistent efforts. He also acknowledged the responsible coordination from central ministries, agencies, and the Lam Dong provincial government throughout the project's over 10-year development.

The Deputy Prime Minister underscored Vietnam's significant natural resources, particularly its 5,8 billion tons of bauxite, predominantly located in the Central Highlands, including Lam Dong. This resource is vital for advancing the alumina and aluminum industries, as well as for developing high value-added, deep-processed products.

In recent years, the Party and the State have prioritized developing a complete value chain, encompassing bauxite mining, alumina production, aluminum electrolysis, and the deep processing of high-value aluminum products, all while ensuring environmental resource protection.

The successful production of aluminum ingots demonstrates Vietnam's mastery of technology, advanced management capabilities, skilled workforce, and the determination of Vietnamese enterprises to integrate further into the global value chain.

In this new development phase, as Vietnam pursues high, rapid, and sustainable growth, securing a proactive domestic supply of metal aluminum holds particular significance.

A stable domestic aluminum supply will reduce import dependence, mitigate supply chain disruption risks, improve the trade balance, boost localization rates, and enhance the economy's resilience to external fluctuations.

Furthermore, establishing a domestic metal aluminum production industry will provide a stable input market for sectors like rolling, drawing, casting, extrusion, alloy production, and aluminum product manufacturing. This will foster a larger industrial ecosystem with substantial economic value.

To ensure the project's maximum effectiveness, the Deputy Prime Minister urged relevant ministries and agencies to continue refining policies and mechanisms for developing a modern, synchronized aluminum industry. He also called for proactive support for businesses in scientific research, technology mastery, and enhancing competitiveness.

The Deputy Prime Minister further instructed the investor to allocate resources to complete all investment phases on schedule, ensuring the plant operates with absolute safety, stability, and high economic efficiency. Businesses must prioritize modern management and boost labor productivity to reduce product costs, with a particular emphasis on strict adherence to environmental protection regulations.

"The government is confident that with the right direction and the determination of all levels and sectors, Nhan Co Industrial Park will emerge as Vietnam's premier industrial hub for aluminum and new materials, generating widespread development momentum for the entire Central Highlands region and the nation," stated Deputy Prime Minister Phan Van Giang.

Tu Huynh