Sweden's top mining companies are keen to develop long-term partnerships in Viet Nam.—File Photo

HA NOI (Biz Hub)— Sweden's top mining companies are keen to develop long-term partnerships in Viet Nam, according to a seminar hosted by the mining industry last Friday.

ABB, Scania and Swedish Export Credit Corporation (SEK) were among a host of companies in attendance, jointly hosted by the Viet Nam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin), the Swedish Embassy to Viet Nam and the Business Sweden Organization in Ha Long City.

The conference aimed to find new methods to resolve current and future challenges faced by Viet Nam's mining sector.

The event also discussed research jointly conducted by Business Sweden and the Ha Noi University of Mining and Geology, which showed surface mining of minerals and metals was an essential activity in Quang Ninh, where most of the local mining industry's production and development takes place.

However, findings also revealed mining projects had caused environmental problems including untreated waste water, waste dumps and changes to the terrain.

In an effort to promote sustainable development, experts have encouraged Vinacomin and other mining companies to focus on developing underground mining – methods to extract minerals and metals deep underground.

Speaking at the seminar, Swedish Ambassador Camilla Mellander said Sweden, currently one of Europe's largest mining states, would be able to meet Viet Nam's increasing demand for innovative technology in the sector.

The event gave businesses from both sides the opportunity to exchange equipment, products and solutions in sustainable practice to benefit the Vietnamese mining sector.— VNS