Vietnam: Regulations on the categorization of iron ore mines to be extracted

Vietnam: Regulations on the categorization of iron ore mines to be extracted (Illustrative image)

Circular 33/2010/TT-BTNMT stipulates the categorization of iron ore mines to be extracted in Vietnam as follows:

1. Basis for categorization of iron ore mines to be extracted in Vietnam

- Pursuant to the shape, size of the iron ore body, complexity of the mine's geological structure, stability of thickness, quality, and internal structure of the iron ore body.

- Pursuant to quantitative indices on the variation of conditions for dividing the groups.

- Pursuant to specific argumentation and evaluation of the iron ore body in the main area, occupying not less than 70% of the mine's reserves.

2. Categorization of iron ore mines to be extracted in Vietnam

- Simple Group (I)

- Complex Group (II)

- Very Complex Group (III).

3. Conditions for categorization of iron ore mines to be extracted in Vietnam

- Simple Group (I): Includes mines or areas with a simple geological structure with horizontal or gently dipping ore bodies, a product ore coefficient greater than 0.8, and a simple shape, a perimeter variation coefficient less than 1.4; stable thickness, thickness variation coefficient not greater than 40%; the main useful and harmful component contents are evenly distributed, content variation coefficient not greater than 40%.

- Complex Group (II): Includes mines or areas with a complex geological structure with ore bodies in the form of large veins or lenses; lens forms, nesting, columnar, or tube-like forms; product ore coefficient varying from 0.6 to 0.8, complex shape; perimeter variation coefficient ranging from 1.4 to 1.8; unstable thickness, thickness variation coefficient ranging from over 40% to 100%; the main useful and harmful component contents are unevenly distributed, content variation coefficient ranging from over 40% to 100%.

- Very Complex Group (III): Includes mines or areas with a very complex geological structure with small to medium-sized ore bodies in the lens, seam-column form, product ore coefficient below 0.6, and very complex shape, a perimeter variation coefficient greater than 1.8; very unstable thickness, thickness variation coefficient over 100%; the main useful and harmful component contents vary very unevenly, content variation coefficient over 100%.

More details can be found in Circular 33/2010/TT-BTNMT effective from January 28, 2011.

Nguyen Phu

>> CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN VIETNAMESE