Hierarchy of reserves and estimated resources of mineral water and natural hot water in Vietnam

Hierarchy of reserves and estimated resources of mineral water and natural hot water in Vietnam (Internet image)

Circular 52/2014/TT-BTNMT stipulates the classification of reserves and resource estimates of mineral water and natural hot water in Vietnam as follows:

Basis for the classification of reserves and resource estimates:

- Geological structure, hydrogeological conditions, and hydrothermodynamic conditions of the mine;

- Water quality;

- Extraction conditions include: extraction system, stability level of flow and water level in boreholes, corrosion, scale deposition level, and continuity in water extraction.

Reserves and resource estimates of mineral water and natural hot water are classified into the following categories:

- Reserve classifications include: A-class mining reserves, B-class exploration reserves;

- Resource estimate classifications include: C1-class resource estimates, C2-class resource estimates.

The basis for evaluating A-class mining reserves is the results of mineral water and natural hot water exploitation, which have determined with certainty the position conditions, structure, and lithological components of the water-containing rocks, their changes across the area and cross-section, and the permeability of the water-containing rocks.

The basis for evaluating B-class exploration reserves is the results of mineral water and natural hot water exploration, which have determined with certainty the position conditions, structure, and lithological components of the water-containing rocks, the permeability of the water-containing rocks, and the supply conditions of the aquifer.

The basis for evaluating C1-class resource estimates is the results of mineral water and natural hot water exploration or basic geological investigation results on minerals, which have relatively assured the position conditions, structure, and lithological components of the water-containing rocks, the permeability of the water-containing rocks, and the supply conditions of the aquifer or adjacent to the area with B-class reserves;

The basis for evaluating C2-class resource estimates is the results of basic geological investigations on minerals, which have been determined through experiments in the aquifer at singular points, or by analogy to already explored areas.

More details can be found in Circular 52/2014/TT-BTNMT which comes into effect in Vietnam from October 27, 2014.

Ty Na

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