Vietnam calls for stronger linkage among ASEAN members to raise the bloc’s adaptability and capability to take advantage of Industry 4.0, in turn promoting environmental protection and inclusive growth in sustainable mining.

Mining at Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province. Photo: Vinh Quan

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Quy Kien stressed the view at the 21st Annual Senior Officials Meeting on Minerals (ASOMM 21) held in the virtual format today [October 6].

“ASEAN should focus on applying digital technologies to narrow development gaps while boosting high-quality human resources in mining and nurturing green environment,” Kien said.

According to Kien, the year of 2021 marks an important milestone as it reviews the progress of the master plans on building the ASEAN Community for the 2021-2026 period, and also the year when Vietnam starts serving as the ASEAN Chair on mineral exploitation.

During the ASOMM 21, taking place from October 6-8, delegates are expected to discuss a wide range of issues, including the progress of the ASEAN Minerals Cooperation Action Plan (AMCAP), the updates of the ASEAN cooperation with the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals, and Sustainable Development (IGF), and a report on the realization of the Strengthening ASEAN Cooperation in Mineral (SACM) project.

The ASOMM 21 would then adopt the AMCAP for the 2021-2025 period, priorities for the ASEAN mining industry in the coming years, as well as the preparation process for the 14th ASOMM Plus Three and the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Minerals (AMMin).

ASEAN officials would review the result of the first phase of the AMCAP-III, approve phase 2 of the AMCAP-III, and guidelines on ASEAN cooperation in minerals under the master plan for ASEAN Economic Community 2025 in 2021-2025.