Under the new regulation, which would take effect next year, charges could be raised as much as 80 per cent. For example, the current single rate for most minerals will become the new minimum, while a higher ceiling rate will be added.

Of all metal minerals, gold, lead, zinc and tin ore are subject to the highest maximum rate of VND270,000 (US$13) per tonne, a VND30,000 ($1.4) per tonne increase from the former level.

As for non-metal mineral exploitation, flooring stones, block stones and ores of gems will top the list with rates ranging from VND50,000 ($2.4) to VND90,000 ($4.4) per tonne.

Environmental protection charges will be made uniform for all types of coal with the maximum rate of VND10,000 ($0.4) per tonne, nearly doubling the current amount.

Artisanal exploitation of minerals will be subject to 60 per cent of the new charges.

This flexible range will be the benchmark for local authorities to determine the specific charge for the mineral exploiters in each site as they find appropriate.

The only rates to remain constant would be crude oil and natural gas, standing at VND100,000 ($4.5) per tonne and VND50 ($0.002) per cubic metre respectively. The new rates were found reasonable by many mineral exploiting companies.

Nguyen The Tang, director of Truong Tho Co Ltd, a company currently active in the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang, said:

"Environmental protection charges account for a very small percentage of the total expenditure for our operation.

Even raised to the maximum level, they should not strongly affect our revenues."

What was more important was the widespread exploitation of environmental law, which needed strict supervision by the Government, he said.

In the case of crude oil and natural gas, all environmental protection charges will be managed by central administrators and will be dedicated to the correction and prevention of negative environmental impact on site.

Charges collected from exploitation of other minerals will contribute to the local budget for the same purposes.

Viet Nam holds rich and diversified mineral reserves of approximately 60 types explored at more than 5,000 deposits.

Minerals currently under large scale exploitation include coal, crude petroleum, apatite, rare earths and carbonate rocks, with mine points mainly located in the northern and central parts of the country.

Despite being an important contributor to the country's economy, the mining industry has caused serious damage to the environment in areas such as Uong Bi, Cam Pha in Quang Ninh, Lai Chau and Binh Thuan provinces. — VNS

(vietnamnews)