Circular No. 14/2024/TT-BTNMT on technical regulations for exploration and classification of reserves and resources of marine sand deposits

CIRCULAR

Technical regulations on exploration
and classification of reserves, resources of marine sand deposits

Pursuant to the Law on Minerals dated November 17, 2010;

Pursuant to Decree No. 158/2016/NĐ-CP dated November 29, 2016 of the Government detailing implementation of certain provisions of the Minerals Law;

Pursuant to Decree No. 68/2022/NĐ-CP dated September 22, 2022 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;

At the proposal of the Director of the Vietnam Geological Survey;

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment promulgates this Circular on technical regulations on exploration and classification of reserves, resources of marine sand deposits.

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular stipulates technical regulations on exploration and classification of reserves, resources of marine sand deposits.

Article 2. Applicability

This Circular applies to state management agencies for geology and minerals; organizations and individuals related to exploration activities, assessment of reserves, resources of marine sand deposits.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. Marine sand is loose granular material of natural origin accumulated in the marine environment within the range from the mouth of rivers out to sea.

2. Sand body is the accumulation of marine sand distributed within one or a set of specific geological structural elements, with dimensions and quality meeting requirements for exploitation and utilization.

3. Exploration works are construction works carried out to determine thickness and take samples of sediment according to depth (drilling machines, vibro probes).

4. Bathymetric map is a map drawn based on results of echo sounding seabed surveys according to a network of exploration and coordinate, depth data of physical, geological survey points, other survey points within the exploration area.

5. River mouth boundary is the junction between river and sea determined by a straight line connecting the outermost points of the lowest tidal water level over many years on both sides of the river.

Article 4. Criteria, classification, levels of evaluation for reserve grades, resource grades of marine sand

Criteria, classification, levels of evaluation for reserve grades, resource grades of marine sand shall be implemented in accordance with Articles 5, 6, and 7 of Circular No. 60/2017/TT-BTNMT dated December 8, 2017 of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment on classification of reserves and resources of solid minerals.

Article 5. Classification of exploration deposit groups

1. The classification of exploration deposit groups is carried out based on the shape, size of the sand body, complexity of the geological structure of the deposit, seabed topography, variation in thickness and particle composition, geological conditions, mining conditions, and quantitative indicators assessing the degree of variation of other parameters.

2. Marine sand deposits are classified into three deposit groups: simple group (Group I); relatively complex group (Group II); complex group (Group III).

3. The classification of exploration deposit groups as stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article shall be implemented in accordance with Appendix 1 issued together with this Circular.

Article 6. Requirements for exploration work

1. Adhere to the principle of sequential progression, from general to detailed, from surface to deep, from small-scale mapping to large-scale mapping.

2. Collect all necessary geological data and materials to serve the assessment of deposit quality, reserves, and mining conditions as the basis for researching investment projects for mining.

3. The collection and establishment of original documentation during marine sand exploration shall be carried out in accordance with Circular No. 43/2016/TT-BTNMT dated December 26, 2016 of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment on technical regulations for collecting and establishing original documentation in basic geological surveys and mineral exploration.

4. Tasks of marine sand deposit exploration:

a) Determine in detail the geological structure of the deposit, distribution characteristics, and shape of the marine sand body; determine petrographic composition, minerals, and assess the distribution characteristics of minerals in the sand; take samples to determine particle composition, determine mechanical and chemical properties, and the composition of accompanying useful and harmful substances in the sand body;

b) Fully evaluate the quality and determine the recovery factor of marine sand according to usage fields and the recoverability of useful components in marine sand (if applicable);

c) Evaluate hydrogeological dynamics conditions, factors affecting the marine environment, ecosystem, and geological disasters.

5. Exploration work shall be carried out throughout the entire exploration area and the depth of marine sand distribution using a combination of main methods: geodesy; geology; geophysics; hydrogeological monitoring; environmental geology, geological disaster monitoring; numerical modeling; exploration works; sample collection and processing; sample analysis by chemical and mechanical methods; determination of usability and application fields of marine sand; sand mining, washing technology.

6. Requirements for exploration works

a) Selection of types of exploration works (drilling machines, vibro probes) is based on water depth, geological conditions, construction conditions, and technical capabilities of equipment;

b) Density of orientation of exploration works for marine sand deposits and technical construction requirements refer to Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular.

7. Sampling rate in exploration works must reach ≥ 75%.

Article 7. Requirements for Geodetic Work

1. Survey and map seabed depth charts in exploration areas at the scale specified in Clause 4 of this Article.

2. The geodetic work shall include: positioning, navigation, and depth measurement for physical geological surveys; depth measurement along lines using echo sounders; determination of coordinates and depths of sampling points (geological survey stations, drilling machines, vibration pipes, monitoring stations...); tidal water level observation; establishment of control grids for coordinates and elevations; seabed depth chart mapping.

3. All exploration works must determine coordinates and elevations according to the national coordinate system, complying with current technical regulations and procedures.

4. Scale of seabed depth maps.

a) For simple mines, seabed depth maps must be established at a minimum scale of 1:10,000;

b) For relatively complex and complex mines, seabed depth maps must be established at a scale of 1:5,000.

Article 8. Requirements for Geological Research

1. Geological research must ensure the determination of geological structural characteristics; distribution area, shape, size, and sharpness of sand bodies; relationship between sand bodies and other geological formations.

2. Mine geological maps and cross-sections must be established at the same scale as the seabed depth maps as stipulated in Clause 4 of Article 7 of this Circular.

Article 9. Requirements for Hydrodynamic and Sedimentary Research

1. Based on surveys, collection, and synthesis of data to assess the interaction between rivers and seas, and continents and seas in the modern era, transport and deposition laws of materials, trends in shoreline and coastal zone changes, serving the prediction of geological disaster processes.

2. Compile and establish hydrodynamic and sedimentary maps at equivalent scales; contents reflecting wind regimes, flow, waves, water levels, near-bottom mud and sand transport trends, characteristics of sedimentation and erosion of shorelines, and predictions of environmental impacts during mineral extraction.

Article 10. Requirements for Current Geological Environmental and Geological Disaster Research

1. For surface deposits:

a) Determine deposit composition, color, taste, toxicity potential, measure basic environmental parameters of bottom sediments; bottom-dwelling biological composition and ratio;

b) Collect representative samples to evaluate the current quality status of sediment environments (in accordance with National Technical Regulation QCVN 43:2017/BTNMT on sediment quality, issued by Decision No. 78/2017/TT-BTNMT dated December 29, 2017 of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment).

2. For marine water environments:

a) Identify signs of pollution from human activities (oil slicks, waste, other pollutants), assess dispersion potential according to hydro-meteorological conditions;

b) Measure and collect relevant parameters; take representative water samples to evaluate the current quality status of marine water environments (in accordance with National Technical Regulation QCVN 10:2023/BTNMT on marine water quality, issued by Decision No. 01/2023/TT-BTNMT dated March 13, 2023 of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment).

3. Collect or survey current geological disaster conditions, including coastal erosion, channel filling, subsidence, environmental pollution, sand flow, erosion, and cliff collapse.

4. Collect or monitor the environment in conjunction with hydrodynamic and sedimentary monitoring work.

5. Forecast areas with potential environmental pollution during beach sand extraction; propose solutions to minimize environmental pollution during and after extraction.

Article 11. Hydrodynamic and lithodynamic monitoring

1. Monitoring or collecting data on hydrodynamic and lithodynamic regimes characteristic of each season; current sedimentation rate data at the bottom; chemical environment in water and seabed sediments according to seasons.

2. The above contents must be designed within the scope of the exploration project proposal.

Article 12. Construction of numerical models

1. Models used must ensure the calculation and forecasting of dynamic factors (water level, waves, flow), sediment transport (erosion, deposition) and suspended sediment dispersion caused by sand extraction activities under current scenarios and various extraction scenarios to assess and forecast the impacts of sand extraction activities on dynamics, environment, and ecology in the extraction area and surrounding areas. For areas with interaction between rivers and seas, the model must integrate factors affecting from rivers and factors affecting from the sea.

2. Flow models and suspended sediment dispersion models caused by sand extraction activities are three-dimensional models.

3. The model must be calibrated and validated before application for calculations and must ensure accuracy as prescribed by current regulations.

Article 13. Requirements for quality research work

1. Sampling requirements:

a) Basic samples (particle size distribution samples): all exploration works must take 100% samples;

b) Sample length depends on the characteristics and composition of marine sand but should not exceed 2.0 meters;

c) Thin section samples of loose sediments: take samples according to the product layers of representative exploration works for marine sand bodies;

d) Whole rock density samples: based on the characteristics and composition of marine sand, each marine sand body must take at least 03 whole rock density samples at representative exploration works;

đ) Seawater samples: taken in the exploration area to evaluate the current environmental water quality;

e) Biological carbonate and chemical samples: taken at exploration works representing marine sand bodies;

g) Types and quantities of samples are specifically designed in the exploration project proposal.

2. Processing and analysis sample requirements: determine parameters to assess the quality of marine sand and provide reasonable usage directions. Basic parameters include: particle size distribution samples; whole rock density samples; thermal and Raman analysis; thin sections of loose sediments; comprehensive silicate analysis (SiO2, Al2O3, FeO, Fe2O3, CaO, Na2O, K2O, MgO, Cl-, P2O5, MKN…); spectroscopic samples (Mg, B, Br, I, Sb, As, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb, Cd….); seawater quality samples (Mg, B, Br, I, Sb, As, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, SO42-, CO32-, NO3-, salinity, Eh, pH,….); biological and chemical carbonate samples (CaCO3, FeCO3, MgCO3, MnCO3…) and total radioactivity samples.

3. Quality control of sample analysis must comply with the provisions of Circular No. 62/2014/TT-BTNMT dated December 9, 2014, issued by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

Article 14. Requirements for research on marine sand extraction technology

1. Technology samples: taken to represent marine sand bodies. Methods of taking and testing technology samples must be designed in the exploration project proposal.

2. Research on the technological characteristics of marine sand extraction must be conducted. The level of research must provide sufficient criteria to determine extraction technology, marine sand recovery factor, and fields of marine sand use.

3. Clarify the form of existence, content, and determine the enrichment potential and recovery of accompanying useful components (if any).

Article 15. Requirements for calculating reserves and resources

1. The method for calculating reserves and resources of marine sand deposits must be selected appropriately based on the geological characteristics of the deposit and on the basis of analyzing the influencing factors specified in Clause 2 of this Article.

2. Factors affecting the selection of methods for calculating reserves and resources of marine sand deposits include: the morphology of the sand body; its thickness and degree of variation; particle composition and degree of variation; structural factors and the orientation of the sand body; exploration works network; anticipated mining method.

3. Methods for calculating reserves and resources of marine sand deposits include: geological block method; cross-sectional vertical profile method or using specialized software for calculating mineral reserves currently used worldwide and in Vietnam.

Article 16. Requirements for highest reserve grade and ratio of reserve grades

1. Requirements for the highest reserve grade

a) For Group I deposits: the highest grade to be explored must be Grade 121;

b) For Group II and III deposits: the highest grade to be explored must be Grade 122.

2. Requirements for the ratio of reserve grades

The reserves of each grade and the reasonable ratio between Grades 121 and 122 shall be determined by the investor based on the geological characteristics of the deposit, financial capacity, technical mining conditions, designed mining capacity, but must be reflected in the exploration plan.

Article 17. Content and form of exploration report documentation

The content and form of documentation in the marine sand exploration report shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of Articles 3 and 4 of Circular No. 45/2016/TT-BTNMT dated December 26, 2016, issued by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment regarding the exploration plan for minerals, closure of mineral mines, and sample reports on mineral activities, sample documents in the permit application dossier for mineral activities, and the approval dossier for mineral reserves; procedures and formalities for closing mineral mines.

Article 18. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from October 15, 2024.

2. In cases where the referenced documents for application under this Circular are amended, supplemented, or replaced, they shall be implemented according to the provisions of the amended, supplemented, or replaced documents.

Article 19. Implementation

1. The Directors of the Vietnam Geological Survey, Vietnam Mineral Administration, and the Head of the Office of the National Mineral Reserve Evaluation Council shall be responsible for guiding and inspecting the implementation of this Circular.

2. The Minister, Heads of Ministries equivalent to Ministries, Heads of Government agencies, Chairpersons of People's Committees at all levels, and organizations and individuals related to this matter shall be responsible for implementing this Circular.

3. During the process of implementing this Circular, if there are difficulties or obstacles, relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals are requested to reflect them to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for timely consideration and resolution./.

ANNEX 1. CLASSIFICATION OF EXPLORATION MINES

(Annexed to Circular No. /2024/TT-BTNMT dated August 2024 of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment)

1. Simple Mine Group (Group I)

a) Simple geological structure. Perimeter variation coefficient (µ) less than 1.4; thickness variation coefficient (Vm) less than 40%; particle composition variation coefficient (Vc) less than 40%, and sand content coefficient (Kp) from 0.8 to 1.0.

b) Large scale, sand body length greater than 10,000 meters, relatively stable sand body width greater than 1,000 meters, simple sand body shape and relatively flat bottom.

2. Relatively Complex Mine Group (Group II)

a) Relatively complex geological structure. Perimeter variation coefficient (µ) from 1.4 to 1.6; thickness variation coefficient (Vm) from 40% to 100%; particle composition variation coefficient (Vc) from 40% to 100%, and sand content coefficient (Kp) from 0.6 to 0.8.

b) Medium scale, sand body length from 5,000 meters to 10,000 meters, unstable sand body width from 300 meters to 1,000 meters, relatively complex sand body shape.

3. Complex Mine Group (Group III)

a) Complex geological structure. Perimeter variation coefficient (µ) from 1.6 to 1.8; thickness variation coefficient (Vm) from 100% to 150%; particle composition variation coefficient (Vc) from 100% to 150%, and sand content coefficient (Kp) from 0.4 to 0.6. Narrow sand bodies, intermixed with clay patches, rocks, and boulders.

b) Medium scale, sand body length less than 5,000 meters, unstable sand body width less than 300 meters, complex sand body shape.

ANNEX 2. GUIDELINES FOR THE DENSITY OF EXPLORATION WORKS IN MARINE SAND DEPOSITS
(Annexed to Circular No. 14/2024/TT-BTNMT dated August 30, 2024 of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment)

Mine Group

* Note: The grid of exploration works is not mandatory for all cases. Based on detailed analysis of the geological structure characteristics of the mine; the morphology, size, and orientation of the sand body; topographical features, patterns, and degree of variation in thickness and quality, the most appropriate grid of exploration works for the target area shall be selected.