Law on Geology and Mineral Resources

Country / jurisdiction: Viet Nam · Year: 2024 · Status: In force · Level: National · Type: Voluntary

Vietnam adopted a new Law on Geology and Mineral Resources, replacing the 2010 Mineral Law, which entered into force on 1 July 2025 and expanded the regulatory framework governing mineral exploration and exploitation by integrating geological management and mineral resource governance into a single statute. Its objective is to support more sustainable, efficient and state‑coordinated development of the mining sector.

The Law on Geology and Mineral Resources covers:

geological baseline and mineral surveys,

mineral planning and zoning,

exploration and exploitation licensing,

mineral processing,

environmental protection and mine closure,

mineral concessions and auctions,

financial obligations and state management.

Mineral resources are classified into four groups, which determine planning, licensing and authority levels. Mining projects for Group I (metallic minerals including rare earths, energy minerals, industrial minerals, precious and semi‑precious stones) and Group II (construction minerals for cement, ceramics, glass and related uses) must be included in a national master plan approved by the Prime Minister, while lower‑value groups face lighter planning requirements.

Regarding institutional roles, the Government and Prime Minister approve national strategies and mineral planning. MONRE issues licenses for Groups I and II minerals and develops implementing regulations. Provincial People’s Committees license Groups III and IV minerals and manage local mining oversight

Geological surveys

Geological surveys of mineral resources are undertaken primarily by the State, based on approved national programmes led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE). Private companies may participate at their own cost and receive priority rights (up to 36 months) to apply for exploration licenses in surveyed areas. The State retains a strong role in the exploration of strategic and critical minerals, which may also be explored through inter‑governmental agreements. Foreign companies must maintain a legal presence in Viet Nam and meet technical and staffing requirements to obtain exploration licenses.

Mineral licensing and concessions

Mineral exploitation rights are generally awarded through public auctions, enhancing transparency. However, exemptions apply for:

national defence and security areas,

projects involving strategic or critical minerals,

sites reserved for entities that conducted prior geological surveys.

Financial and environmental obligations

Mining companies face multiple financial obligations, including:

natural resource tax (1–35%),

corporate income tax,

land use tax,

possible export duties,

annual royalties for exploitation rights.

Companies must also make mandatory annual deposits to the Vietnam Environmental Protection Fund to cover mine rehabilitation costs, refundable upon proper closure and environmental restoration.

Authorities may impose restrictions on mining activity for environmental, cultural, infrastructure, or security reasons, covering permitted methods, volumes, and areas. Mine closure requires an approved plan, asset removal, and full environmental rehabilitation.

On 11 December 2025, Viet Nam’s National Assembly adopted amendments to the Law on Geology and Mineral Resources prohibiting the export of raw rare earth minerals and placing rare earths under strict state control. The amended provisions entered into force on 1 January 2026.

Official source: https://thuviennhadat.vn/van-ban-phap-luat-viet-nam/law-54-2024-qh15-geology-and-minerals-640958.html