Scientists propose developing technology to process high-value elements such as Pr and Nd, and at the same time building a transfer center to master core technology.
The information was shared at the workshop "Rare Earth in Vietnam - Current status of mining and processing technology and prospects", organized by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology in coordination with the Ministry of Science and Technology on the morning of October 18.
Professor Nguyen Quang Liem, former Director of the Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, cited data from the American Geological Society, saying that Vietnam has reserves of about 22 million tons of rare earth (accounting for 19% of the world's reserves), second only to China (38%). However, exploitation is still small-scale in some mines such as Nam Xe, Dong Pao (Lai Chau), Yen Phu mine (Yen Bai) and there is almost no industry using rare earth.
According to Professor Liem, the stage of mining and processing refined ore does not bring high economic efficiency, uses toxic chemicals, and pollutes the environment. "High economic profits are mostly in rare earth applications," said Mr. Liem, adding that the countries that use the most rare earths include China, the US, Japan, the EU, and South Korea. Therefore, he proposed building projects and laboratories to improve research capacity and mining and processing technology, focusing on deep processing and the application of rare earths in industrial products with high economic value.
Rare earths at a mine in Northwest Vietnam. Photo: Gia Chinh
Associate Professor Dr. Hoang Anh Son, Deputy Director of the Institute of Materials Science, said that only a few countries have deep processing technology, but keep it copyrighted, secret and do not transfer technology. In 2020, China exported about 140 thousand tons (accounting for 57% of the market share), the US 38 thousand tons, Myanmar 30 thousand tons, Australia (17 thousand tons), India 3,000 tons.
Associate Professor Son said that for many years, Vietnamese scientists have researched and have many patents and useful solutions related to rare earths. These include the application of rare earths as catalytic materials, the manufacture of NdFeB rare earth magnets, and the manufacture of small hydroelectric generators installed in ethnic minority areas in Ha Giang and Nghe An...
Mr. Son also admitted that the quality of the selection technology is not high, the rate of rare earth recovery, and the content of harmful impurities are also low. For example, the Lai Chau rare earth mine has not yet solved the problem of optimal ore selection. Meanwhile, there is no factory to process the refined ore into products that meet export standards. Currently, the technology of separation and cleaning is mostly implemented in the laboratory. "The production of rare earth metals requires a very high level of technology. The technologies developed for application in the electric vehicle industry, wind power, defense industry... have not yet started in Vietnam," he informed.
According to the orientation for the period 2023-2028 with a vision to 2045, Vietnam focuses on developing rare earth processing technology that meets export standards, with a minimum total rare earth oxide content of 95%. In addition, deep processing of metals containing rare earth elements (Nd, Dy, Pr) serves the strategy of energy transition and zero-emission transportation. "As Vietnam is gradually becoming an attractive investment area for electric vehicles and new energy industries, it is necessary to develop internal capacity in manufacturing rare earth metals as strategic raw materials to take the initiative in cooperation," said Associate Professor Son. He also proposed building an advanced experimental cluster on rare earth technology and the environment.
Associate Professor, Dr. Le Ba Thuan, Institute of Rare Earth Technology, proposed building a research and technology transfer center for rare earth ore processing, perfecting small-scale production technology, and updating new technology. "Building a research and transfer center aims to master the development of core technology in rare earth ore processing," said Mr. Thuan.
In response to the experts' proposal, Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat said he would synthesize and report to the Government to find solutions to exploit and process Vietnam's rare earth reasonably and effectively, in line with the development orientation.
He said that there should be further research to clarify the reserves and composition of rare earth elements in mines; research to perfect rare earth mining and deep processing technology; and to create a market and promote the research process of effective and sustainable mining. The Minister expected that Vietnam would take the initiative in technology, support enterprises in mining and deep processing rare earth to serve domestic demand, towards export, and ensure the environment.
Nhu Quynh
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