Vietnam, France should partner in deep processing of strategic minerals, metals: Deputy PM

French and Vietnamese enterprises should pilot cooperation in mining and deep processing of strategic minerals and metals, said Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha.

At a reception for visiting French Inter-ministerial Delegate on Strategic Metals and Minerals Supply Benjamin Gallezot in Hanoi on Tuesday, Ha said such a pilot cooperation project should focus on transferring and receiving technology within the value chain of mining, processing and supplying strategic mineral and metal products, firstly for the Vietnamese and French markets.

He said he appreciated the results of research conducted by French geologists in Vietnam, adding that they have laid foundations for the geological sector in the country. He wished France to continue sharing valuable research results about Vietnam's geography and geology.

Informing that Vietnam has recently surveyed some areas for strategic minerals and metals, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the need to continue deeper assessment of reserves and map out mining and deep processing roadmaps while adopting modern technology to protect the environment.

For his part, Gallezot noted that strategic minerals and metals are vital resources for the socio-economic development of each country and globally.

Vietnam is an important partner of France in this sector, with advantages such as a skilled workforce, abundant mineral resources, and a robustly developing industry, he said.

France, on the other hand, boasts a contingent of technical experts and many leading global enterprises in this field. Many key industries of France have great demand for strategic minerals and metals, Gallezot highlighted.

According to him, France has actively promoted collaboration with Vietnamese partners regarding technologies for mining and processing strategic minerals and metals, as well as environmental protection solutions.

Gallezot proposed both sides promote the exchange of experts to establish common data and a specific roadmap for mining and processing strategic minerals and metals.