Company news

On 17th July in Hanoi, Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem) held a scientific seminar on the Potash Salt Mining and Processing Project in Nongbok District, Khammouane Province, Lao PDR, to discuss and clarify the scientific and practical basis for the mining and processing technology proposals for one of the Group’s key projects. The seminar was chaired by Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Tú, Deputy Party Secretary, Member of the Members’ Council, and General Director of Vinachem.

The seminar was attended by Mr. Chu Văn Giáp, Member of the Members’ Council and Controller of Vinachem; Deputy General Directors Mr. Nguyễn Tuấn Dũng and Mr. Đào Trọng Cường; representatives from Vinachem’s specialist departments, Vilachemsalt; representatives from Chonfar Engineering and Technology Co., Ltd (the unit preparing the project’s feasibility study); as well as experts and scientists including Dr. Đỗ Duy Phi, President of the Vietnam Chemical Society; Dr. Nguyễn Cao Khải, Head of Mine Exploitation, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology; Mr. Dương Quốc Trường, Head of Mine Department, Mining and Industrial Investment Consultancy Joint Stock Company (Vinacomin); Dr. Phạm Trung Nguyên, Institute of Mining Science and Technology (Vinacomin); representatives from Chemical Industrial Design Joint Stock Company, and delegates from the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Finance.

In his opening address, Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Tú emphasised that the Potash Salt Mining and Processing Project in Laos is of strategic importance, having attracted the attention of the Party and State, and is expected to ensure a stable potash supply for fertiliser production—thereby supporting raw material self-sufficiency, socio-economic development, and enhanced cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

He stated that, after a period of suspension, the project has now been authorised to restart and is completing procedures in accordance with Lao regulations. The seminar is therefore of special significance, continuing to review and evaluate the scientific and practical basis of mining proposals and supplementing arguments for project finalisation and appraisal.

General Director Nguyễn Hữu Tú asked experts, scientists, state management representatives, and consultants to engage in objective and comprehensive discussions of the mining proposals, considering recent advances in science and technology, geological, environmental and climatic conditions, and all factors influencing project investment efficiency. He expressed confidence that the seminar’s contributions would provide a crucial foundation for Vinachem and its consultants to finalise the optimal solution, contributing to the project’s success, socio-economic effectiveness, and the ongoing strengthening of Vietnam–Laos friendship and cooperation.

At the seminar, a representative of Chonfar Engineering and Technology Co., Ltd presented the feasibility study and the proposed mining and processing technology for the project. The report focused on international experience in potash mining, evaluating underground mining, solution mining, salt lake extraction, and open-pit mining technologies, and also analysed changes in geological and technological conditions in Laos as a basis for selecting the most suitable method for the project.

The seminar also heard from Mr. Nguyễn Tuấn Dũng, Deputy General Director, who presented a paper comparing solution mining (from the 2012 feasibility study) and underground mining (from the revised 2025 study). The report noted that, compared to 2012, many conditions have changed. Mine design and underground construction technologies have improved, allowing the entire 10 km² area to be mined at a design capacity of 500,000 tonnes of KCl per year for twenty years. Several potash mining projects in Khammouane Province with similar geological conditions have already operated stably using underground mining, giving further grounds for assessing this method’s feasibility, safety, and effectiveness. Local hydrological conditions have also improved thanks to flood regulation by hydropower plants on the Mekong and Xe Bangfai rivers.

The report also assessed mining scope, design capacity, resource efficiency, investment costs, payback period, and economic effectiveness over the full project lifecycle for both methods.

During the discussion session, experts, scientists, and consultants exchanged a range of views on geological and hydrological conditions, mining safety, processing technology, environmental protection, risk management, and the project’s economic effectiveness. All agreed that technology selection should be based on updated actual conditions, experience from similar regional projects, and the development of modern mining technology.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Tú stressed that the Potash Salt Mining and Processing Project in Laos is a strategic, key project for the Group, pursued over a long period with the dedicated efforts of many parties. Holding the seminar at this time is therefore of particular significance, providing additional scientific and practical grounds for completing the project dossier for appraisal.

The General Director highly appreciated the discussion papers and thoughtful, responsible comments from experts, scientists, and consultants. Their views comprehensively analysed mining and processing technologies, geological conditions, investment effectiveness, environmental and safety matters, and the legal and market context changes over nearly two decades. These are vital elements in selecting the optimal solution to ensure the project’s highest implementation effectiveness.

Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Tú called on the Investment and Construction Board, consultants, and relevant departments to fully absorb the seminar’s feedback, urgently review and complete documentation, update scientific and practical arguments, and ensure quality reports for submission to the competent authorities. Further study and thorough assessment of technical, economic, environmental, and safety factors are needed to develop an appropriate, effective implementation plan, helping to realise the Potash Salt Mining and Processing Project in Laos at the earliest opportunity.