Decision No. 2185/QD-TTg approving the master plan on exploration, exploitation, processing and use of iron ores through 2020, with 2030 vision taken into consideration.

This Decision approves the master plan on exploration, exploitation, processing and use of iron ores through 2020, with 2030 vision taken into consideration. This Plan has the following principal objectives: it must be in line with the mineral strategy through 2020, with a vision toward 2030; and the master plan on socio-economic development in localities having iron ores. Intensive exploitation shall be carried out in Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Thai Nguyen and Ha Tinh provinces, on the basis of satisfying the requirement of sustainable development linked with national defense and public security, particularly in the Northwest and Central Highlands regions; and to harmonize the interests of the country, localities, enterprises and people in localities where iron ores are exploited. Projects on exploitation and processing of iron ores must be associated with metallurgical establishments, and apply advanced, natural resource-economizing and environment-friendly technologies; To prioritize solutions to mobilize domestic resources in the stages of exploitation and deep processing of iron ores. Development objectives: Exploration, exploitation and processing of iron ores must meet the requirement of sustainable development and fully satisfy the need of metallurgical industry in Vietnam.