Ministry warns of pollution risks at bauxite projects

The ministry has assessed Nhan Co and Tan Rai alumina plants in the Central Highlands provinces of Dak Nong and Lam Dong respectively, according to its report to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The ministry says contractors of the two plants are well-qualified and experienced in implementing the packages of the projects. However, the ministry isanxious about the quality of plant equipment, especially environmental treatment devices.

Equipment at Tan Rai alumina plant, particularly for environmental treatment, has seriously deteriorated after nine years of operation, the ministry notes.

Though the projects are frequently inspected, environmental management authorities have still warned of complicated pollution risks.

The number of technical incidents at Tan Rai and Nhan Co plants has been three and four respectively.

The ministry has asked TKV to comply with environmental requirements at the plants. It has specifically demanded updates of legal documents related to environmental protection at Nhan Co plant.

The ministry has also proposed the trade ministry instruct TKV in appraising and designing next phases of red sludgereservoirs at the plants to prevent environmental pollution.

The two plants have a combined investment of around VND32 trillion (US$1.4 billion), with annual capacity of 650,000 tons of alumina each.