Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang confirmed today that Vietnam holds one of the world’s largest rare earth reserves, with deposits distributed across 21 provinces and cities.
During a morning parliamentary session on December 1, lawmakers discussed amendments to the Law on Geology and Minerals. Among the most prominent issues was the strategic management of rare earth resources.
Representative Trinh Xuan An (Dong Nai) emphasized that, given today’s geopolitical landscape, mastering rare earth management and technology is essential to asserting Vietnam’s autonomy and strength.
He noted that rare earths are frequently used as strategic bargaining tools between global powers, especially in matters of national defense and security. Hence, An urged the draft law to clearly reflect the importance of this resource.
“In defense and military industries, rare earths are foundational to many types of weapon systems and core technologies, particularly precision weaponry,” An said. He proposed setting aside specific mines or reserves exclusively for defense and security purposes.
He also called for clear regulations on controlling technologies and data related to rare earth mining and processing, especially in areas sensitive to national security.
“Data and rare earths may need to be classified as state secrets,” he added.
Regarding the oversight of rare earths, An proposed clarifying the roles of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security in evaluating extraction and determining national programs. He suggested that rare earth zones be designated with clearly defined boundaries for defense and security needs, urging that legal provisions not only manage but also contribute to national strength.
“When reviewing mining laws in China, Japan, and the U.S., I found all three treat rare earths as highly sensitive to national defense and security. This is our chance to elevate rare earths to a matter of national stature,” he concluded.
Representative Dieu Huynh Sang (Dong Nai) echoed the sentiment, calling rare earths a “strategic resource” integral to modern life. She pointed out that 17 metals in the rare earth group are used in key technologies, and global demand has surged due to the green transition and advances in artificial intelligence.
Citing international data, she affirmed that rare earths are central to emerging industries such as high-tech manufacturing, energy transition, and defense.
“Rare earths are a unique commodity with profound implications for national defense, security, and diplomacy. Therefore, they require rigorous oversight across all activities related to their extraction and use,” Sang proposed.
Vietnam prepares national rare earth strategy
Responding to the concerns, Minister Tran Duc Thang affirmed that Vietnam currently ranks second or third globally in terms of rare earth reserves, with confirmed deposits in 21 provinces nationwide.
Under mandates from the Government and top leadership, the Ministry has already delineated the key mining areas and instituted tight management procedures.
“We are currently collaborating with other ministries and sectors to develop a national rare earth strategy,” the Minister stated, adding that the strategy is expected to be issued by the Prime Minister in early 2026.
With zoning efforts nearly complete, the next priority is to launch exploitation and deep processing operations to maximize national benefits.
“This next step is crucial,” he said.
Consequently, the draft law includes a separate chapter dedicated to rare earths and outlines specific regulations to guide subsequent government directives.
“We believe rare earths will truly become a vital resource for national development. This will help establish a closed-loop value chain while minimizing raw exports,” Thang emphasized.