Decision No. 403/QD-TTg dated March 14, 2016 of the Prime Minister on approving the adjusted master plan for Vietnam’s coal industry development to 2020 and vision towards 2030

DECISION

Approving the adjusted master plan on development of Vietnam’s coal industry through 2020, with prospects toward 2030 taken into consideration[1]

                                  THE PRIME MINISTER    

Pursuant to the June 19, 2015 Law on Organization of the Government;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 92/2006/ND-CP of September 7, 2006, on elaboration, approval and management of master plans on socio-economic development;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 04/2008/ND-CP of January 11, 2008, amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Government’s Decree No. 92/2006/ND-CP of September 7, 2006, on elaboration, approval and management of master plans on socio-economic development;

Pursuant to the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 89/2008/QD-TTg of July 7, 2008, approving the strategy for development of Vietnam’s coal industry through 2015, with orientations toward 2025;

At the proposal of the Minister of Industry and Trade,

DECIDES:

Article 1. To approve the adjusted master plan on development of Vietnam’s coal industry through 2020, with prospects toward 2030 taken into consideration, with the following major contents:

I. DEVELOPMENT VIEWPOINTS

1. To develop the coal industry on the basis of exploiting, processing and using the country’s coal resources effectively and economically; actively contributing to ensuring national energy security; prioritizing satisfaction of domestic demands; ensuring reasonable import and export of coal in the direction of incrementally reducing exports and only exporting types of coal which are not yet needed in the country through planning-based management and other regulatory measures in line with the state-managed market mechanism and Vietnam’s international commitments.

2. To step up baseline survey, exploration and assessment of coal resources and reserves so as to prepare reliable resources for sustainable development of the coal industry.

3. To increase offshore trading and investment with a view to sufficiently supplying coal to meet socio-economic development requirements of the country.

4. To ensure sustainable coal production and sale to meet long-term domestic demands; to effectively and synchronously develop the coal industry in line with the overall development of other industries; to diversify modes of coal investment and trading. To bring into the fullest play internal resources (capital, capacity to design and manufacture equipment domestically, etc.) along with expanding international cooperation for research, development and application of advanced technologies in coal exploration, exploitation, processing and use; to apply advanced technical and managerial solutions to reduce loss in coal exploitation; to make rational investment in environmental protection, occupational safety, natural resource management and risk management in coal mining.

5. To trade in coal under the state-managed market mechanism in harmony with the global coal market.

6. To develop the coal industry in close combination with protecting and improving the eco-environment in coal regions and in harmony with developing tourism and minimizing impacts on cultural conservation sites; making active contributions to socio-economic development; in combination with consolidation and strengthening of national defense and security in localities; ensuring safety in production.

II. DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES

1. Goals

To build a developed coal industry with high competitiveness and advanced technologies in comparison to the regional countries in all stages of exploration, exploitation, screening, processing and use of coal; to sufficiently meet domestic demands for coal, particularly coal for electricity generation.

2. Specific targets

a/ Coal exploration

- The North East coal basin:

+ By the end of 2020, to complete coal exploration at the depth of 300 m and below in some areas to ensure adequate reliable reserves and  resources available for exploitation from now to 2025. By 2020, to strive to upgrade around 1 billion tons of resources from levels 333, 334a and 334b to the levels of reliable reserves and resources (levels 222 and 332).

+ By the end of 2025, to basically complete exploration to the bottom of the coal layers to ensure adequate reliable reserves and resources available for exploitation as designed during 2021-2030 and after 2030. By 2030, to strive to upgrade the remaining resources from levels 333, 334a and 334b to levels 222 and 332.

- The Red River delta coal basin:

+ Before 2020, to complete coal exploration in Nam Thinh area and part of Nam Phu mine II, Tien Hai district, Thai Binh province for elaboration and implementation of pilot exploitation projects.

+ On the basis of results of survey and overall assessment of coal resources in the inland areas of the Red River delta coal basin and results of implementation of pilot exploitation projects, to expand exploration as a basis for developing industrial-scale coal mines with appropriate technologies.

b/ Coal mining

The commercial coal output of  the whole industry in the planning periods: Around 41-44 million tons in 2016; 47-50 million tons in 2020; 51-54 million tons in 2025 and 55-57 million tons in 2030 in which pilot exploitation projects will be implemented in the Red River delta coal basin during 2021-2030 as a basis for investment in the development of industrial-scale mines; to strive for a commercial coal output of around 0.5-1 million tons (equivalent) by 2030.

The commercial coal output of the whole industry may be adjusted to meet market demand in each period (including import and export of coal) to ensure overall effectiveness of the economy.

c/ Coal loss

To strive to reduce the loss rate of coal exploited from underground mines to around 20% by 2020 and below 20% after 2020; and the loss rate of coal exploited from open-cast mines to around 5% by 2020 and below 5% after 2020.

d/ Coal screening and processing

Before 2020, to complete the arrangement of coal screening plants in Quang Ninh area to optimize coal transportation and screening and conform with the master plans on urban development in coal regions, transport and seaports, and meet environmental protection requirements. After 2020, to process coal into diverse products to flexibly meet market needs.

dd/ Environmental protection

Before 2020, to fully satisfy all environmental standards in all coal mine areas.

e/ Coal market

To focus on meeting domestic coal demands in combination with rational export and import.

III. CONTENTS OF THE MASTER PLAN

1. Coal demand forecasts

Domestic coal demands for different periods are forecast as follows:

Unit: million tons

2. Zoning

a/ Areas of coal exploration, exploitation and processing on an industrial scale

- The North East coal basin: Coal-bearing areas are mostly distributed in Quang Ninh province, parts of Bac Giang and Hai Duong provinces. This basin accommodates the largest anthracite coal resources and reserves in the country to be planned for now to 2030;

- The Red River delta coal basin: Coal-bearing areas are mostly distributed in Thai Binh, Hung Yen and Nam Dinh provinces. This region has a vast sub-bituminous coal potential, with a still low level of exploration  and difficult and complicated exploitation conditions regarding natural and living environments;

- Inland coal mines: Including 6 coal mines (Nui Hong, Khanh Hoa, Lang Cam, Na Duong, Khe Bo and Nong Son) currently managed, protected and exploited by affiliate units of Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited and Vietnam Steel Corporation. These mines have medium and small reserves and resources and capacity, exploited mainly from open-cast mines, with coal resources mainly in Quan Trieu - Nui Hong area and Lang Son province.

b/ Areas of exploration, exploitation and processing on a medium and small scale

- Local mines: There are over 100 coal mines and sites with small reserves and resources scattered in different provinces and cities nationwide, with low industrial value and exploration levels;

- Peat mines: Peat mines are distributed rather widely and evenly across the country, including over 216 mines and sites with relatively large total resources and a low exploration level, mainly distributed in the southern delta.

c/ Areas where mining is prohibited or temporarily prohibited: Provincial-level People’s Committees shall coordinate with related ministries and sectors in zoning off these areas and submit them to the Prime Minister for approval in accordance with the mineral law.

3. Total coal reserves and resources

a/ As of December 31, 2015, total coal reserves and resources were estimated at about 48.88 billion tons, including around 2.26 billion tons in reserves and 46.62 billion tons in resources, of which 0.34 billion tons are peat.

b/ Coal reserves and resources to be mobilized under the master plan are 3.05 billion tons, including around 1.22 billion tons in reserves and 1.83 billion tons in resources, of which 0.06 billion tons are peat.

See details in Appendix I to this Circular (not translated).

4. Exploration planning

a/ Orientations

To concentrate on exploration and upgrade of existing coal resources to prepare sufficient reliable resources for the designed exploitation under the master plan and ensure that exploration always goes one step ahead.

b/ Contents

- To 2020

+ The North East coal basin: To complete exploration projects at the depth of  300 m, including new mines of Bao Dai, Dong Trieu - Pha Lai, Cuoc Be bay, East Quang Loi, and below in some areas to serve exploitation projects in the period from now to 2025.

+ The Red River delta coal basin: To complete the plan on coal exploration in Nam Thinh area, Tien Hai district, Thai Binh province, and to implement the plan to explore Nam Phu mine II, Tien Hai district, Thai Binh province for the implementation of pilot exploitation projects.

+ Inland coal mines: To continue the implementation of plans to explore, upgrade and determine coal reserves of 2 coal mines (Nui Hong, Khanh Hoa).

+ Local coal mines: To implement plans to explore and determine reserves of locally managed mines and sites.

+ Peat mines: To implement plans to explore and determine reserves of peat-bearing areas.

+ To explore and upgrade reserves to ensure adequate and reliable coal reserves available for exploitation in the period from now to 2020.

b/ The 2021-2030 period

+ The North East coal basin: To complete plans on exploration to the bottom of the coal layers to ensure adequate coal reserves and resources available for exploitation in the period from now to 2030 and after 2030;

+ The Red River delta coal basin: To complete the exploration of Nam Phu mine II, Tien Hai district, Thai Binh province, for implementation of pilot exploitation projects. On the basis of results of survey and overall assessment of coal resources and results of pilot exploitation projects, to expand exploration for developing industrial-scale coal mines and/or implementing other pilot exploitation projects (if necessary).

The list of coal exploration projects and volumes is provided in Appendix II to this Decision (not translated).

The coordinates of boundaries of closed angles of coal exploration plans are provided in Appendix IIb to this Decision (not translated).

5. Exploitation planning

a/ Orientations

Planning of small-scale mines into large-scale ones; development of exploitation output in a sustainable and effective manner.

Planning of waste discharge toward utilizing to the utmost internal waste grounds.

Investment in pilot exploitation projects in the Red River delta coal basin for selection of appropriate mining technologies.

b/ Contents

- To 2020

+ The North East coal basin:

. To upgrade and expand 9 mines (4 mines in Cam Pha, 4 in Hon Gai, and 1 in Uong Bi) for higher capacity.

. To construct 41 new mines (17 mines in Cam Pha, 7 in Hon Gai, and 17 in Uong Bi).

+ Inland coal mines: To renovate and expand existing open-cast mines by using advanced and synchronous equipment and technologies to increase exploitation output; to invest in the project on expansion of Na Duong mine for higher capacity.

+ Peat mines: To renovate and expand existing mines and build new ones to serve fertilizer and chemical production, etc.

+ Local coal mines: To renovate and expand mines under operation and construct new ones on the basis of selecting capable and qualified organizations and individuals to explore and exploit coal to meet local demands.

+ To maintain the capacity of constructed mines.

- The 2021-2030 period

+ The North East coal basin:

. To renovate and expand 9 mines for higher capacity (7 in Cam Pha and 2 in Uong Bi)

. To build 29 new mines (4 mines in Cam Pha, 6 in Hon Gai, and 19 in Uong Bi).

+ Local coal mines: To build underground mining projects to exploit coal under the Khanh Hoa open-cast mining project; to renovate and increase capacity of Nui Hong mine.

+ Peat mines: To further renovate, expand and build new mines to serve fertilizer and chemical production, etc.

+ The Red River delta coal basin: To invest in some pilot exploitation projects with underground mining method and underground coal gasification technology as a basis for development investment in industrial-scale mines and/or implementation of some pilot projects (if necessary) to select appropriate exploitation methods and technologies.

+ To invest in maintaining the capacity of constructed mines.

The list of coal mines to be put into production is provided in Appendix IIIa to this Decision (not translated).

The coordinates of closed angle boundaries of mine projects are provided in Appendix IIIb to this Decision (not translated).

6. Planning of coal screening and processing

a/ Orientations

- Development of centralized and synchronous coal screening systems; to gradually reduce small and scattered coal screening clusters.

- Processing of coal toward maximizing types of coal for electricity generation; and diversification of products to meet domestic demands.

b/ Contents

- To 2020

To build new coal screening plants: Vang Danh 2 with a capacity of around  2 million tons/year; Khe Than with a capacity of around 2.5 million tons/year; Hon Gai with a capacity of around 5 million tons/year (to build module 1 with a capacity of 2.5 million tons/year in Ha Khanh ward and maintain South Cau Trang screening plant to the end 2018; after 2018 to relocate South Cau Trang plant to the construction site of Hon Gai coal screening plant for assembly into module 2 with a capacity of 2.5 million tons/year); Khe Cham with a capacity of around 7 million tons/year; and Lep My with a capacity of around 4 million tons/year.

- The 2021-2030 period

+ The North East coal basin: To renovate and expand Khe Than coal screening plant to reach the capacity of around 5 million tons/year from 2.5 million tons/year.

+ The Red River delta coal basin: Depending on exploitation output and technologies and coal demands, to invest in coal screening plants accordingly.

 + To maintain constructed coal screening plants.

The list of coal screening plants to be put into operation is provided in Appendix IV to this Decision (not translated).

7. Coal import and export orientations

To meet to the utmost domestic demands for different types and volumes of coal; to gradually reduce exports; to actively and proactively seek imported coal sources to sufficiently meet domestic demands, particularly for coal for electricity generation.

8. Planning of electricity supply

a/ Orientations

To improve the quality of electricity supply systems to meet the coal industry’s electricity demand; to synchronously apply electricity conservation solutions.

b/ Contents

- The  North East coal basin: To renovate and upgrade the existing electricity supply system according to the mine renovation and expansion schedule to ensure stable and safe electricity supply for coal production; to build new power lines of 35 kV ÷ 220 kV and transformer stations of 35 kV ÷ 220 kV for areas with new mines. Pit mines shall be supplied with electricity by dual/circular circuits.

- The Red River delta coal basin: Depending on the exploitation scale and schedule, to consider renovating and building transmission lines and transformer stations to meet electricity demands of investment projects.

9. External transport planning

a/ Orientations

To increase transport by railway, conveyors or car-conveyor complex; to minimize transport by car to mitigate adverse impacts on the environment.

b/ Contents

- To 2020

+  Railway system: To renovate and upgrade existing railway lines, use locomotives of over 1,000 HP to increase railway transport capacity.

+ Conveyor system: To invest in building 10 new conveyor lines with a total length of about 42.5 km.

+ Car road system: To renovate, expand and construct some special-use car roads in Uong Bi, Hon Gai and Cam Pha.

- The 2021-2030 period

The Red River coal basin: Depending on exploitation output, to build some appropriate external transport systems.

The list of external transport system to be put into operation is provided in Appendix IV to this Decision (not translated).

10. Planning of coal export ports

a/ Orientations

To renovate and build centralized large-scale port clusters with high capacity and advanced pouring equipment; to gradually remove small and scattered wharves with outdated technology.

b/ Contents

- To 2020

+ Uong Bi-Dong Trieu-Pha Lai region:

. Dien Cong port: To renovate and expand the port for a higher capacity (phase I) of 7 million tons of coal and cargo/year to receive barges of up to 500 DWT and ships of up to 2,000 DWT.

. Hong Thai Tay port: To invest in new port construction with a capacity of about 3 million tons of coal and cargo/year to receive barges of up to 500 DWT and ships of up to 2,000 DWT.

+ Hon Gai area:

South Cau Trang port: By the end of 2018, to renovate the port for a capacity of about 5 million tons of coal/year and dredge its fairways and channels to serve coal production and receive ships of up to 2,000 DWT. After 2018, this port will be renovated into a cargo port.

+ Cam Pha area:

To build Cam Pha general port with a total capacity of about 13 million tons of coal and cargo/year and capable of receiving ships of up to 60,000 DWT.

- The 2021-2030 period

+The Uong Bi-Dong Trieu-Pha Lai region:

Dien Cong port: To renovate and increase the port’s capacity (phase II) to around 13 million tons of coal and cargo/year to receive barges of up to 500 DWT and ships of up to 2,000 DWT.

+ The Red River delta coal basin: Depending on the exploitation output, to build a number of coal export ports accordingly.

11. Planning of coal import ports

a/ Orientations

To build, upgrade and expand existing ports to meet coal import demands in each period  in line with the master plan on development of Vietnam seaports approved by the Prime Minister.

b/ Contents

- To 2020

To build new transit ports for coal supply to thermal power centers in the Mekong River delta (Duyen Hai port-Tra Vinh) with a capacity of 40 million tons of coal/year and capable of receiving ships of 80,000-160,000 DWT.

- The 2021-2030 period

+ To renovate, expand and upgrade Hon Net port with a capacity of up to 30 million tons of coal/year and capable of receiving ships of up to 100,000 DWT.

+ To renovate and expand Ha Tinh port (in Son Duong wharf area) with a capacity of up to 35 million tons of coal/year and capable of receiving ships of up to 200,000 DWT.

The list of coal export and import ports to be put into operation is provided in Appendix IV to this Decision (not translated).

12. Planning of mine closure

a/ To 2020

- The North East coal basin: To finish exploitation and implement 33 plans (17 plans in Cam Pha, 8 in Hon Gai, and 8 in Uong Bi)

- Inland area: To finish exploitation and implement 1 plan.

b/ The 2021-2030 period

- The North East coal basin: To finish exploitation and implement 43 plans (15 plans in Cam Pha, 9 in Hon Gai, and 19 in Uong Bi)

- Inland area: To finish exploitation and implement 2 plans.

The list of mine closure plans is provided in Appendix V to this Decision (not translated).

13. Investment capital

a/ Demand for investment capital

The total investment capital needed for the coal industry by 2030 is about VND 269.003 trillion (an annual average of VND 17.934 trillion).

- To 2020

The investment capital needed is about VND 96.566 trillion (an annual average of VND 19.313 trillion), including:

+ VND 89.026 for new investment and upgrading and expansion;

+ VND 7.540 trillion for production maintenance.

- The 2021-2030 period

The investment capital needed is about VND 172.437 trillion (an annual average of VND 17.244 trillion), including:

+ VND 146.880 trillion for new investment and upgrading and expansion;

+ VND 25.557 trillion for investment production maintenance.

b/ Capital sources

Investment capital for the coal industry development under the master plan shall be arranged from own capital, commercial and soft loans, capital raised through the securities market and other lawful sources.

IV. IMPLEMENTATION SOLUTIONS

1. Solutions for assurance of long-term coal supply

- To step up survey in the North East coal basin in order to increase coal reserves at the depth of 300 m and above and accurately estimate the coal reserves at the depth of below 300 m to ready sufficient and reliable coal reserves and resources for exploitation as designed under the master plan.

- To accelerate resources survey and assessment in the Red River delta coal basin; to explore coal in Nam Thinh area, Nam Phu mine II (Tien Hai district, Thai Binh province) in the Red River delta coal basin to serve pilot exploitation projects.

- In the course of making, appraising and approving related master plans of coal-resource localities, to specify the investment plan and schedule of each project to ensure the implementation of the coal industry’s investment projects as scheduled under the master plan.

- To actively seek opportunities and arrange capital sources for  investment in overseas coal exploration and exploitation in various forms such as joint venture, purchase of shares, purchase of mines, etc.

- To actively negotiate with coal exporting countries to sign stable and long-term coal import contracts for supply to domestic households (particularly types of coal for electricity generation).

- To introduce advanced methods of resources management; to properly protect coal resources; to increase control of coal sources from exploitation, transportation and processing to consumption.

2. Investment capital raising

- To diversify capital raising in various forms, including finance leasing, contracted leasing, bidding for mining activities, issue of bonds and stocks, commercial borrowing, etc. for development investment in the coal industry’s projects.

- To enter into joint ventures and partnerships with foreign partners to implement coal mining projects in areas in which the coal industry has not mastered technologies (coal exploitation under civil and industrial works, water-bearing areas, etc.)

- To diversity investment in infrastructure projects serving coal industry development in the forms of PPP, BOT, BT, BO, etc.

3. Human resource training

To increase investment, cooperation and association in, and diversify forms of, training to proactively prepare and ready human resources for the master plan implementation.

4. Science and technology

- To step up research, receipt, transfer and command of advanced technologies and techniques in coal exploration, exploitation and processing (particularly technologies for coal mining at the depth of below 300 m in Quang Ninh and Red River delta coal basins)

- To study and synchronously apply technological and managerial methods in order to economically use resources and save costs in coal exploration, exploitation, processing, transportation, consumption and trading.

- To enhance cooperation and association between enterprises inside and outside the coal industry and international cooperation in scientific and technological research and application, transfer and receipt of advanced technologies in the manufacture of mining equipment, environmental treatment in coal areas, etc.

5. Environmental safety and protection, response to climate change

- To increase investment in technologies, equipment and facilities to ensure occupational safety, particularly systems of gas warning, fire and explosion prevention and control, warning and prevention of flooding, mine collapse, etc.; to modernize and professionalize mining emergency response forces.

- To increase investment to reduce and effectively stop coal exploitation, processing and trading activities’ adverse impacts on the environment.

- To develop solutions to proactively respond to climate change.

6. Mechanisms and policies

- Resources management: To assign the Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited and North East Corporation to take the prime responsibility for managing and organizing the exploration and exploitation of the North East and Red River delta coal basins under the master plan.

- Market: To continue setting coal prices under the market mechanism in order to encourage rational and economical use of coal resources, helping the coal industry develop sustainably under the master plan.

- Finance:

+ To consider providing loans from state development investment credit and part of ODA and government bonds to the coal industry for development investment under the master plan.

+ To allocate state budget funds for baseline survey on coal resources and development planning of the coal industry according to regulations.

+ To adopt appropriate state mechanisms for each period for the coal industry to have full conditions to develop under the master plan, contributing to ensuring national energy security.

- Human resource development:

To adopt state incentive regimes and policies to attract workers to work at coal mines, particularly for those working in pit mines.

Article 2. Organization of implementation

1. The Ministry of Industry and Trade shall:

a/ Announce the approved master plan; direct, guide, supervise, examine and urge the implementation of the master plan, ensuring the set objectives, schedule and effectiveness;

b/ Regularly update and assess the situation of coal supply and demand to promptly propose the Prime Minister to add exploration plans and exploitation projects suitable to practical conditions;

c/ Direct the making of and approve detailed plans on coal zones, plans on coal supply to thermal power plants and investment projects on coal ports according to regulations;

d/ Assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with related ministries, sectors and localities in, developing and submitting to the Prime Minister specific mechanisms and policies to ensure full conditions for developing the coal industry under the master plan;

dd/ Direct the annual planning of coal export and import for submission to the Prime Minister for consideration and approval; direct and guide the import and export of coal according to regulations.

2. The Ministry of National Defense shall coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade in directing the implementation of exploration plans and mining projects to ensure national defense and security in defense zones of localities with coal mining activities. 

3. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall:

a/ Summarize and assess the current status of resources to the bottom of coal layers in the North East coal basin to serve effective exploration planning;

b/ Speed up the baseline survey of coal resources in the Red River delta coal basin; manage and store geological data on coal resources according to regulations;

c/ Grant coal mining operation licenses to ensure projects to be put into production under the master plan;

d/ Zone off and announce areas with scattered and small mineral reserves according to regulations.

4. The Ministry of Planning and Investment shall assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with related ministries, sectors and localities in, mobilizing and calling for ODA capital for the coal industry development according to the master plan.

5. The Ministry of Transport shall update and add to the master plan coal transportation routes and coal transshipment ports to serve the import of coal.

6. The Ministry of Finance shall, based on the national socio-economic development situation in each period, adjust and supplement according to its competence, or proposed competent agencies to promptly adjust and supplement, financial policies for development of the coal industry under the master plan.

7. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall develop mechanisms and policies to encourage and promote the research, transfer and application of advanced science and technology for coal exploitation at the depth of below 300 m in the North East coal basins; effective exploitation and use of the Red River delta coal basin; effective use of coal with lower calorific value; and use of various coal products.

8. The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs shall develop and promulgate according to its competence or propose competent agencies to promptly adjust and supplement mechanisms and policies to attract miners, particularly for pit miners.

9. Provincial-level People’s shall:

a/ Coordinate with ministries, sectors, the Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited, the North East Corporation  and related units in effectively implementing the master plan;

b/ Manage and protect unexploited coal resources outside the management areas of enterprises according to regulations; coordinate with enterprises in taking measures to manage and protect coal resources in the areas of operating mines;

c/ Update and adjust related local master plans to mobilize to the utmost resources for the coal industry development under the master plan;

d/ Assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with investors in, carrying out ground clearance, inhabitant relocation and resettlement for coal investment projects according to regulations;

dd/ Increase examination and inspection of the implementation of the mineral law by coal mining and trading organizations and individuals in localities;

e/ Assume the prime responsibility for zoning off and submitting to the Prime Minister for approval areas where mining is prohibited or temporarily prohibited; and manage mining activities in accordance with the mineral law.

g/ Regularly update and adjust boundaries of areas where mining is prohibited or temporarily prohibited suitable with the practical situation to mobilize to the utmost coal resources to fulfill the master plan’s objectives. To limit to the utmost the licensing of socio-economic development projects on ore deposit areas approved by the Prime Minister under the master plan;

h/ Coordinate with related agencies in exercising the rights and performing the obligations toward cultural heritages in accordance with law in coal mining activities.

10. The Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited shall:

a/ Take the main charge of implementing the master plan and  developing the coal industry in a sustainable manner; ensure exploration plans, coal mine projects and infrastructure projects to be put into production and operation as scheduled under the master plan; properly play the leading role in supplying coal to meet domestic demands;

b/ Coordinate with enterprises and domestic and overseas organizations in studying and applying technological solutions for exploitation under works whose grounds should be protected and water-bearing areas ensuring safety, effectiveness and environmental protection;

c/ Study appropriate safe and effective mining technologies for exploiting coal in areas where mining is prohibited or temporarily prohibited according to regulations;

d/ Coordinate with related ministries, sectors and localities in developing plans and measures for strictly managing the exploitation, transportation and consumption of coal and preventing illegal coal exploitation and trading;

dd/ Develop and implement mine closure plans according to regulations;

e/ Annually draw up plans on response to climate change for submission to the Ministry of Industry and Trade for approval;

g/ Draft and sign coordination regulations to ensure safety and effectiveness in the implementation of mine projects under the master plan.

Article 3. This Decision takes effect on the date of its signing and replaces the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 60/QD-TTg of January 9, 2012, approving the master plan on development of Vietnam’s coal industry up to 2020 with prospects to 2030 taken into consideration.

Article 4. Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of government-attached agencies, chairpersons of provincial-level People’s Committees, the Chairperson of the Members’ Council and General Director of Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited; the Chairperson and General Director of the North East Corporation, and related organizations and individuals shall implement this Decision.-

Prime Minister
NGUYEN TAN DUNG