December 03, 2008

MIREX breaks ground on steel mill in Vietnam

VNS reported that the Viet Nam Mineral Resources and Metallurgy JSC started construction of a VND 345 billion (USD 21.6 million) steel plant in northern mountainous province of Cao Bang. Slated to be put into operation in June 2008, the plant produce 200,000 tonnes of steel.

This is the first steel ingot plant in Viet Nam to use anthracite coals instead of coking coal, which helps lower production costs and is environmentally friendly. The 7 hectare plant will be equipped with the most advanced technological equipment made in China, Japan and Europe.

According to Viet Nam Mineral Resources and Metallurgy JSC, after successful production of steel ingots, the company will further modernize the plant to produce laminated steel as well as high quality steel. It also plans to develop similar plants in other localities rich in iron ores to meet domestic demand. Most of the country’s iron ore source is located in the seven northern mountainous provinces of Lao Cai, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Lang Son, Ha Giang, Cao Bang and Bac Kan.