The status and prospect of mining technology in Vietnam underground coal mines

Abstract

Vietnam has the 13th largest hard coal reserves globally, with the reserves totaling 2.22 billion tonnes, and estimated resources of 4.07 billion tonnes. Coal use is playing an increasing role in the energy mix and according to current planning, this role is to increase further. In parallel with the development of the Vietnamese coal sector, underground mining also underwent many stages of improvements, especially in the last two decades. This paper analyzes the achievement and the state of the mining technology applied into the underground mining by the Vietnam National Coal - Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Ltd. (VINACOMIN) during 20 year period and proposes the recommendations for the sustainable development of Vietnam underground mining.