Hanoi (VNA)𝔍 – Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has asked the coal sector to prioritise coal production for domestic use, thereby ensuring the stability of national energy reserve.

During a conference convened by the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin) in Hanoi on January 14 to review its 2015 activities and launch 2016 tasks, he requested Vinacomin increase exploration and mining using advanced and eco-friendly technologies. It was required to devise cost-effective business plans, and solutions to climate change, while further promoting personnel training and improving the livelihoods of workers. In order to extract 55 million tonnes of coal by 2020, the sector is expected to expand 10 mines and open 40 additional pits. Dang Thanh Hai, Vinacomin General Director, said Vinacomin plans to earn more than 110 trillion VND from selling 38 million tonnes of coal, 1.2 million tonnes of which is for export. Imported coal is estimated at 1.5 million tonnes. Vinacomin in 2016 will continue to manage the safety of its dams, continue operating the Lam Dong aluminum-bauxite complex, complete the Thach Khe iron ore construction works, as well as put into operation the Nhan Co aluminum factory, and Cao Bang cast iron and steel complex as scheduled. In coal-fired power businesses, Vinacomin is to optimise the capacity of Na Duong, Cao Ngan, Son Dong, Cam Pha 1, Cam Pha 2, Mao Khe, Dong Nai 5 and Nong Son power plants, as well as ensure the progress of building Na Duong 2 and Quynh Lap 1 power plants. Last year, Vinacomin turned out 37.6 million tonnes of coal and sold 35.5 million tonnes domestically, including 1.26 million tonnes went shipping overseas. In 2015, it raked in more than 106.8 trillion VND (4.85 billion USD), up 3 percent from 2014 and contributed 12.5 trillion VND (56.8 million USD) to the State budget, or 103.4 percent of their target.-VNA