On the morning of 1/12, the National Assembly discussed the draft Law amending and supplementing the Law on Geology and Minerals. Representative Trinh Thi Tu Anh, a full-time member of the Lam Dong delegation, emphasized that rare earth is a strategic resource for key industries such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, and national defense. Therefore, she argued, the law must prioritize environmental safety and ensure unified management at the national level.

Tu Anh explained that the process of rare earth extraction and processing consistently generates naturally occurring radioactive materials, heavy metals, and difficult-to-treat acidic solutions. Many countries that previously engaged in extensive, uncontrolled mining left behind areas of persistent radioactive contamination. In these cases, environmental restoration costs far exceeded the economic value gained. "This is a lesson Vietnam cannot afford to repeat," she stated.

Drawing from international experience, Representative Tu Anh advocated for the adoption of closed-loop extraction technology, modeling of radiation dispersion, continuous environmental monitoring, and international-standard treatment methods for sludge waste. She stressed the need for the national radiation and nuclear safety agency to independently oversee the entire process, from technology and risk assessment to on-site inspections and waste treatment.

Tu Anh also noted that rare earth projects have long cycles, requiring extensive technology trials and thorough environmental assessments. If the priority period for investors is too short, companies might rush project development, fail to establish deep processing chains, and easily revert to crude extraction. Therefore, the law needs more flexible mechanisms to attract investors with genuine technological capabilities.

Representative Trinh Thi Tu Anh (a full-time member of the Lam Dong delegation). Photo: Hoang Phong

Representative Dang Thi My Huong, Deputy Head of the Khanh Hoa delegation, added that the current draft law lacks mechanisms to ensure environmental safety and manage radioactive and chemical waste. She proposed independent environmental risk assessments by a third party, requiring businesses to deposit higher environmental bonds than for conventional mineral mines, and periodic public disclosure of environmental data to ensure transparency and sustainable development.

From a broader mineral policy perspective, Representative Nguyen Tam Hung (TP HCM) argued that rare earth holds significant economic value and strategic importance, necessitating strict management. However, he emphasized that the law must also harmonize with other strategic minerals. He cited the case of bauxite, a crucial mineral with large reserves in the Central Highlands provinces, where long-term planning limitations impacted local livelihoods, hindered infrastructure development, and resulted in wasted resources.

Therefore, he proposed reviewing planning boundaries, retaining only areas with confirmed reserves and medium to long-term mining potential to avoid repeating past shortcomings with other strategic resources.

Associate Professor Hoang Anh Son, Director of the Institute of Materials Science, reported that Vietnam possesses substantial rare earth reserves, estimated at 22 million tons by the U.S. Geological Survey, ranking second globally after China. However, Vietnam currently lacks facilities to process rare earth concentrate into export-grade products. This is due to companies not yet mastering the technology to produce required purity levels or to extract individual elements. This situation highlights that strict management must be coupled with a long-term technology investment strategy for sustainable rare earth industry development.

The National Assembly is expected to vote on this draft law on 11/12.

Son Ha