Vietnam’s Lam Dong approves $2.3B for alumina plants’ expansion

Image source: VIETNAM.VN

Vietnam’s Lam Dong Province has approved plans to expand two alumina projects with a total investment of VND 59.855 trillion (USD2.3 billion), a move that places the developments among the most significant industrial undertakings the province has seen to date.

The decision was announced by the provincial administration which authorises the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin) to proceed with the expansion of projects, both aimed at strengthening large-scale alumina production in the Central Highlands.

The larger of the two investments will go into the Nhan Co alumina plant, located across Nhan Co and Kien Duc Communes. The expansion is estimated at VND 29.986 trillion (USD 1.16 billion) and centres on installing an additional production line capable of generating 1.2 million tonnes annually. Spread over 870 hectares, the facility is intended to produce alumina that meets international quality benchmarks for domestic consumption as well as export markets. The plant is expected to come online in 2030 and has an operational timeline of 30 years.

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Another VND 29.869 trillion (USD 1.15 billion) has been committed to expand the Lam Dong bauxite-aluminium complex in Bao Lam 1 Commune. Plans call for a second alumina production line with the same yearly capacity of 1.2 million tonnes, though the expansion will occupy 20.79 hectares. Construction is scheduled to wrap up by the third quarter of 2030, with operations projected to begin in the fourth quarter.

Provincial officials noted that no previous projects in Lam Dong have matched this scale of investment. They have directed the investor to follow all requirements related to investment procedures, land management, environmental safeguards, and construction rules to keep the projects on track.

Authorities have also assigned local departments and administrations to assist with regulatory guidance, speed up administrative steps, and organise land clearance and resettlement so that progress aligns with the planned timeline.

Also read: Global alumina output nears 143.5 Mt in 2025, leaving 0.8 Mt surplus - what’s driving the shift and how are top producers adjusting?