Delegates liken minerals to "a delicious piece of fat placed in front of a cat's mouth"

On the afternoon of June 28, continuing the working program, the National Assembly discussed the draft Law on Geology and Minerals.

Valuation of mineral exploitation rights is quite complicated.

Commenting on the draft law, delegate Tran Huu Hau (Tay Ninh delegation) recalled the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment's response to his question on June 4 about the case of state-owned corporations and enterprises that had mineral exploitation licenses but did not implement the project due to many reasons.

Mr. Hau said that in this case, these mines can be auctioned to mobilize social resources for mineral exploitation. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment said that in the above case, auction can be conducted when it is determined that the enterprise cannot carry out and organize the exploitation.

According to delegate Hau, in reality, there are many situations that need attention and strict regulations to avoid negativity.

He gave an example of a business that does not carry out mining projects on its own, but can use mining rights to form joint ventures and contribute capital with other businesses to mine. "In my opinion, this is the right way to do it, opening up new avenues for businesses and mobilizing social resources for mineral exploitation," said Mr. Hau.

Delegate Tran Huu Hau, Tay Ninh delegation (Photo: National Assembly Media).

Thus, other enterprises do not need to bid but are still naturally allowed to exploit. In this case, the delegate believes that it is necessary to evaluate the mineral exploitation rights when contributing capital to avoid loss of State assets.

"However, reality over the past years has shown that asset valuation and land use rights valuation for capital contribution, despite specific regulations, still have many violations and many officials at all levels have been disciplined and put in prison," said delegate Hau.

Therefore, according to the delegate, the valuation of mineral exploitation rights is very necessary but quite complicated. Therefore, it is necessary to study strict, clear and transparent regulations to serve related activities. Thus, the draft Law on Geology and Minerals needs to add 1 article on the valuation of mineral exploitation rights.

Minerals are valuable resources of the country. Most minerals cannot be regenerated or replenished, requiring management, exploitation, and efficient use.

"Minerals are a delicious piece of fat placed in front of a cat's mouth. We must strengthen education and remind cats to maintain moral qualities and to cover and lock them tightly," the delegate emphasized.

Low rate of mining license issuance through auction

The report summarizing 13 years of implementing the Mineral Law shows that the auction of mineral exploitation rights has brought high efficiency, increasing revenue for the State budget. However, the rate of granting mining licenses through auction is very low.

Delegate Tran Huu Hau said that regarding the low auction of mineral exploitation rights, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment answered questions saying that it was because it was implemented in accordance with Decree 158, which stipulates 7 cases where auctions are not required.

However, the draft Law on Geology and Minerals has taken back 3/7 of the content of Decree 158, with broader and more general provisions, and assigned the Government and Prime Minister to specify details.

Mr. Hau said that without fundamental changes as stipulated in Decree 158, it would be difficult for the Ministry of Natural Resources and localities to strongly shift to auctioning mineral exploitation rights.

Delegate Tran Thi Kim Nhung, Quang Ninh delegation (Photo: National Assembly Media).

Regarding the responsibility for mineral planning, delegate Tran Thi Kim Nhung (Quang Ninh delegation) agreed to assign the Ministry of Industry and Trade to submit to the Prime Minister for approval the planning for exploration, exploitation, processing and use of group 1 minerals. Similarly, assign the Ministry of Construction to submit to the Prime Minister for approval the mineral planning for group 2.

According to the delegate, this regulation should be kept for three reasons. Firstly, this does not disrupt the functions, tasks, and management authority of the State on minerals. Because this change is not necessary and its impact has not been assessed.

Second, strictly implement the requirements of Resolution 10 of the Politburo to closely and effectively connect planning, investigation, exploration, exploitation, processing and use of minerals.

Third, if the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is assigned as the agency in charge of planning, the Ministry of Natural Resources will be both the planning agency and the planning management agency, as well as the licensing agency for mineral activities.

"So from a certain perspective, there can be a view that this regulation has potential risks, causing negative corruption," said the delegate .

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/dai-bieu-vi-von-khoang-san-la-mieng-mo-ngon-dat-truoc-mieng-meo-a670685.html