Decision No. 35/2001/QĐ-BCN on issuing the "Regulation on Assessing the Potential of Solid Mineral Resources in Basic Geological Surveys on Mineral Resources".

Pursuant to …;

Regarding the issuance of the "Regulation on Assessing the Potential of Solid Mineral Resources in Basic Geological Surveys on Mineral Resources"

THE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY

Pursuant to Decree No. 74/CP dated November 1, 1995 of the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Industry;

Pursuant to the Law on Minerals and Decree No. 76/2000/NĐ-CP dated December 15, 2000 of the Government detailing the implementation of the Law on Minerals (amended);

Considering the proposal of the Director of the Vietnam Geological and Mineral Resources Department;

DECISION:

Article 1. Issued together with this Decision is the "Regulation on Assessing the Potential of Solid Mineral Resources in Basic Geological Surveys on Mineral Resources."

Article 2. This Decision shall take effect fifteen days from the date of signature. All previous regulations that conflict with this Decision are hereby abolished.

Article 3. The Heads of the Ministry's Office, the Inspectorate of the Ministry, the Heads of Departments, Directors of Bureaus under the Ministry, and units with functions and tasks related to basic geological surveys on mineral resources funded by the State budget shall be responsible for implementing this Decision.

REGULATIONS

Regulation on Assessing the Potential of Solid Mineral Resources in Basic Geological Surveys on Mineral Resources

 (Issued together with Decision No. 35/2004/QĐ-BCN dated June 20, 2001 of the Minister of Industry

Chapter 1:

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1This regulation applies to activities assessing the potential of solid mineral resources in basic geological surveys on mineral resources carried out using state-funded economic research budgets.

Article 2.Assessing the potential of mineral resources is a type of basic geological survey on mineral resources conducted according to types or groups of minerals and concerning structures with prospects aimed at discovering new mines.

Article 3.Some terms used in this regulation are understood as follows:

1. A mineral deposit is a natural aggregate of minerals with quantities, quality, and conditions of exploitation and processing that meet the minimum requirements for industrial-scale exploitation under current technological and economic conditions.

2. An ore body (ore zone) is a naturally continuous aggregate of valuable minerals whose quality, size, and shape have been determined and meet the guidelines for industrial exploitation.

3. A mineralization zone is a part of a geological structure where there are ore bodies or manifestations related to mineralization such as thermal fluid alteration zones around ore deposits, fracture concentration zones, fault zones, etc., which are favorable for mineral formation.

4. Levels of mineral reserves according to the current classification system. The conditions for determining level C reserves and level P forecast resources are set forth in Appendix 1.₂& and forecast resources at level P₁& as listed in Appendix 1.

Article 4.Sequential principle and phased approach for assessing the potential of mineral resources.

1. Assessing the potential of mineral resources adheres to the following principles:

a- Progression from preliminary to detailed, from area to point, and from surface to depth. The design and implementation of methods must comply with current technical regulations and sequentiality to avoid waste and effectively utilize collected materials.

b- Assess all accompanying minerals and other minerals within the assigned area comprehensively.

2. Assessing the potential of mineral resources is carried out in successive steps:

a- Step to develop a project with the goal of identifying the target mineral, the type of mineral deposit to be assessed, specific geological tasks, and designing an optimal technical method system, workload suitable for the target mineral and assigned objectives.

b- Step to discover ore bodies and assess level P1 forecast resources of them, selecting the most promising areas for further assessment. The survey area should not exceed 100 km².².

c- Step to assess ore bodies with the goal of determining level C reserves, studying the quality of minerals and their exploitation and utilization possibilities, selecting economically viable ore bodies for further exploration. The assessment area should be between 5-15 km².₂If the discovery step does not select areas for further assessment, the project to assess the potential of mineral resources will cease construction and a report will be prepared after obtaining written permission from the competent authority.².

If many promising ore bodies are discovered within the assigned area, it may be considered to proceed directly to the ore body assessment step after obtaining written permission from the competent authority.

d- Step to prepare a geological report with the goal of clearly, truthfully, and scientifically presenting the results of assessing the potential of mineral resources.

SELECTION OF AREAS, TARGETS, AND GROUPING OF TARGETS FOR ASSESSMENT BASED ON COMPLEXITY OF GEOLOGICAL-MINERAL CONDITIONS

Chapter 2:

The mineral targets and areas for assessment are selected based on:

Article 5.1. Directions, tasks, and goals of socio-economic development plans; planning and plans for basic geological surveys on mineral resources and mining activities.

2. Existing geological-mineral data allowing the prediction of the discovery of new mineral deposits or the expansion of areas and supplementation of resources for known mineral deposits.

Areas and targets of each step

Article 6.1. Targets of the step to discover ore bodies are:

a- Areas that have been detailed in geological and mineral surveys at a scale of 1/50,000 with favorable geological preconditions, clear signs of searching, and are assessed as having prospects for discovering ore bodies of one or more types of minerals.

b- Areas adjacent to known mineral deposits with mineral signs, favorable geological preconditions, or similar characteristics.

c- Areas with geophysical, geochemical, and mineral anomalies with prospects.

For endogenic minerals, when selecting survey areas, the characteristics of the mineral field and geological structures favorable for the formation and accumulation of minerals must be taken into account.

2. Targets of the step to assess ore bodies are:

a- Ore bodies that have been discovered and preliminarily assessed in the discovery step or in previous surveys, and are identified as having prospects.

b- Parts that can extend or develop in depth of ore bodies that have been preliminarily assessed previously.

b- The part that has the potential to extend or develop further in depth of mineral bodies that have been preliminarily assessed.

Article 7.Mineral objects are classified according to the degree of geological complexity as set out in Table 1. The classification of the degree of complexity mainly depends on the complexity of the form, distribution characteristics of mineral bodies, quality, and distribution characteristics of minerals. The degree of geological and mineral complexity serves as the basis for designing technical volumes to assess minerals.

Chapter 3:

REQUIREMENTS AND TASKS OF THE STEPS FOR ASSESSING MINERAL RESOURCES POTENTIAL

Article 8.Requirements for the step of preparing a project to assess the potential of mineral resources.

1. Accurately determine the mineral objects, the area to be assessed, the prerequisites, favorable geological factors for mineral formation, the distribution patterns of minerals, the forecastable mineral resources that can be discovered, and the degree of geological complexity.

2. Clearly define specific geological tasks and select a reasonable combination of assessment methods and auxiliary research works suitable for specific geological and mineral objects and assigned objectives.

3. Design a reasonable evaluation sequence, the application sequence of methods, and organize a rational management and construction process for the project.

Article 9.The tasks of the preparation step include:

1. Collecting and synthesizing existing data on infrastructure, geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geomorphology-weathered crust..., evaluating the current status and reliability of these data, assessing the effectiveness and limitations of implemented methods.

2. Conducting preliminary surveys of the assigned area to collect necessary geological and mineral data; accurately determining the conditions for implementing geological works, understanding the infrastructure.

3. Taking geochemical samples, physical parameter samples, rock and mineral samples, and conducting geophysical tests based on the available data, to have a basis for reasonably designing methods and implementation sequences.

4. Predicting the type of mineral deposit that can be discovered and evaluated. Identifying geological features and specific geological tasks.

5. Designing technical methods, determining the volume of work, specific requirements of methods, types of geological samples needed for analysis.

6. Proposing estimated criteria to determine reserves and forecastable resources.

7. Determining the basis for preparing a budget and preparing the project budget.

The content and format of the project shall comply with the regulations on project preparation and basic geological investigation reports on mineral resources issued together with Decision No. 12/1999/QĐ-BCN dated March 17, 1999, of the Minister of Industry.

Article 10.Requirements for the step of discovering mineral bodies.

1. Determine the geological structure, controlling geological factors (stratigraphy, magma, petrology...), factors containing or destroying minerals, the composition and characteristics of the metamorphic zones around minerals, the relationship between minerals and formations and geological factors.

2. Define the zones of mineralization, mineral-bearing strata, locations of mineral manifestations, exploration signs such as ore rolls, old works, geochemical and mineralogical dispersion rings, geophysical anomalies.

3. Discover mineral bodies and predict their development both on the surface and underground.

4. Determine the type of mineral; structure, material composition, quality of minerals, beneficial and harmful components, geochemical characteristics, zoning of mineralization, and preliminarily determine the formation conditions, environment, and origin of minerals.

5. Preliminarily delineate mineral bodies, determine the morphological characteristics of mineral bodies, and preliminarily classify mineral bodies according to scale and quality of minerals.

Article 11.Tasks of the step of discovering mineral bodies.

1. Conduct surveys and prepare geological-mineral maps corresponding to scales of 1/25000 to 1/5000 depending on the degree of geological structural complexity and mineral objects. The scale of the geological-mineral map to be prepared is directed in Appendix 2.

2. Use appropriate methods such as remote sensing, mineralogy, geochemistry, geomorphology, geophysics... to identify mineral signs, geochemical and geophysical anomalies, areas with the potential for mineral distribution, and zones of mineralization. Take geochemical samples and conduct geophysical measurements along routes or lines.

3. Areas with mineralization or mineral manifestations are evaluated according to the network of exploration works in Appendix 3. Exploration lines need to be spaced twice as widely as the network to determine Class C reserves.₂However, they may also be denser or sparser so that each mineral body must have at least two lines of exploration works cutting through it.

4. Verify mineral discoveries and mineral bodies at locations with exploration signs, anomalies, dispersion rings, and control the distribution zones of mineralization by surface excavation works, clearing and describing old works or drilling. Each mineral body must have at least one to two positions with complete thickness control sampling.

5. Prepare topographic sketches by enlarging and correcting existing topographic maps. Position survey points, works, and exploration lines using GPS or tape measures on natural or artificial landmarks with long-term preservation capabilities that have been determined by GPS coordinates or existing maps.

6. Take samples, process, and analyze various types of samples to clarify the composition and basic physical properties of minerals. At outcrops, drilling, and mining works encountering minerals, channel samples must be taken, and at zones of mineralization, channel point or extreme samples must be taken.

7. Conduct detailed investigations in some areas using an optimal method combination to accurately define standards for assessing the prospects of other areas and initially classify zones of mineralization and mineral bodies according to their prospects.

8. Evaluate forecasted resources class P for mineral bodies based on expected thickness, length, depth, geological, geochemical, and geophysical signs, calculation indicators guided by similar mineral deposits.₁& for mineral bodies based on thickness, length, expected depth, geological, geochemical, geophysical signs, calculation criteria oriented according to guidelines, similar mineral deposits.

9. Prepare a geological report on the results of the step of discovering mineral bodies as a basis for designing the step of evaluating mineral bodies.

Article 12.Requirements for the step of evaluating mineral bodies.

1. Determine the conditions for the ore body's position, shape, size, continuity of the mineral body, characteristics of changes in the ore body morphology along strike and depth. The depth of resource assessment varies depending on the type of mineral and their distribution characteristics, as determined at each project stage.

2. Identify the mineral substance composition, classify natural mineral types, characteristics of their distribution within the ore body, existence forms and distribution features of minerals, useful and harmful components, and preliminarily assess the beneficiation potential or usability of the mineral.

3. Determine the C-grade reserves₂and evaluate the P-grade forecast resources₁.

4. Preliminarily determine the origin, modelize the mineral formation process and stages, post-mineralization transformations, and depth of weathering.

5. Preliminarily assess the potential to become a mine, mining conditions, extraction methods, processing capabilities, fields of mineral use, environmental impacts during mining and processing.

6. Select areas and ore bodies valuable according to scale, quality, and favorable mining conditions for transfer to exploration.

Article 13.Tasks of the ore body evaluation stage

1. Detail describe natural and artificial outcrops; compile geophysical and geochemical data to create geological-mineral maps and cross-sections at scales of 1/5000 to 1/1000 or larger, depending on complexity and size of objects to be represented. Maps and cross-sections should reflect geological factors affecting mineral formation, accumulation, distribution, and transformation, ore body morphology, and the distribution of different mineral types. Define ore bodies and their distribution patterns.

2. Collect geochemical samples and conduct geophysical surveys along networks to monitor hidden or covered ore bodies. Each ore body must have at least two deep geophysical survey lines using appropriate methods.

3. Surface excavation and drilling along lines to assess ore bodies vertically and horizontally. Each ore body must have at least three excavation works and fully controlled sampling across its thickness according to the designed network.

Evaluation line networks need to be arranged appropriately with the distribution characteristics and complexity of ore bodies. Guidelines for evaluation line networks for certain types of minerals are specified in Appendix 3.

4. Collect and analyze various types of samples to

a- Classify mineral types based on composition and structural characteristics. Define the distribution area of these types within the volume for determining C-grade reserves.₂Analysis requirements must provide sufficient basis for evaluating the usability of minerals in different fields.

b- Identify mineral types and formation conditions

c- Determine the material composition, quality of minerals, specifically chemical composition, minerals, structure-architecture, existence form of useful and harmful components; harmful components for beneficiation processes, test different beneficiation procedures, determine recovery rates of useful components, concentrate quality (ore concentrate), tailings composition (tailings), and propose a preliminary enrichment scheme.

The beneficiation potential of minerals can be preliminarily assessed by comparing with similar mines and conducting laboratory sample studies.

d- Determine parameters for calculating reserves and forecast resources. Assess hydrogeological and engineering geological features as stipulated in Article 14 and Article 15 of this Regulation.

Sample collection and analysis work must ensure accuracy and representativeness. Trench samples must be taken according to the designed dimensions suitable for each type of mineral and interbedded layers to adequately define the distribution areas of mineral types. Laboratory technical samples must meet the requirement of representing the main mineral type over the evaluation area.

5. Sample collection and analysis work must be conducted in accordance with current regulations.

6. Create topographic maps at the same scale as the search map using national or independent coordinate systems through total station surveying methods. Basic contour interval varies depending on the map scale and terrain complexity and geological requirements, ranging from 5÷10m for 1/10000 scale; 2÷5m for 1/5000 scale; 1÷2m for 1/2000-1/1000 scale. Map symbols must be uniformly applied according to current regulations of the Land Administration General Department.

Positioning of main lines, some traverse lines, mineral encounter works, and geological relationships must be carried out using instruments with mean square errors for planimetric/height point positions as follows:

- Scale 1/10000 10/2.0m

- Scale 1/5000 5/1.5m

- Scale 1/2000-1/1000 2.5/1.0m

Long-term fixation of permanent markers must then be made at the start points of main lines and some intersections of main lines with traverse lines.

7. Determine C-grade reserves for ore bodies based on several reserve calculation criteria. Reserve determination criteria are established by comparison with explored or operating mines having similar scale, quality, mining conditions, and mineral processing. Reserve determination systems for C-grade reserves must be approved in writing by competent authorities as the basis for delineating ore bodies according to permitted criteria and geological characteristics. Reserve determination must be calculated using multiple methods for comparison and reliability assessment. For accompanying useful minerals, reserves and forecast resources may be determined at the same grade or reduced by one grade depending on their variability compared to the main mineral and their content.₂Evaluate P-grade forecast resources for ore bodies, parts of ore bodies not yet determined C-grade reserves₂& must be approved in writing by the competent authority as the basis for delineating mineral bodies according to permitted criteria and their geological characteristics and morphology. The determination of reserves must be calculated using different methods for comparison and evaluation of reliability. For accompanying valuable minerals, depending on their variation compared to the main mineral and their concentration, reserves and forecast resources at the same level or reduced by one level may be determined.

Assessment of forecast resources at level P₁& for mineral bodies, parts of mineral bodies whose reserves at level C have not yet been determined.₂.

8. Conduct geological and hydrogeological investigations to provide a general assessment of the geological and engineering conditions over the area where mineral deposits are distributed, as stipulated in Articles 14 and 15 of this Regulation.

9. Preliminarily evaluate the economic potential of identified mineral resources based on: social demand, domestic and regional markets; infrastructure, forecasted resources, quality of minerals, feasibility and methods of extraction and processing; impact of mining activities on the ecological environment; comparison with similar mines that have been or are being explored and exploited domestically and regionally.

Article 14.Article 14. The geological and hydrogeological-engineering investigation (GHEI) should preliminarily determine the following factors:

1. Distribution, water-bearing conditions, and water flow characteristics of various rock types.

2. Meteorological and hydrological features, distribution of surface water, and their influence on GHEI conditions.

3. Hydrodynamic properties, depth of distribution, water storage capacity, permeability, and dynamics of groundwater.

4. Physical and chemical composition of groundwater and surface water.

5. State and mechanical properties of rocks surrounding mineral deposits. Geodynamic characteristics, geological hazards, and their impact on mining operations.

6. Forecasting potential impacts on the environment, ecology, and landscape due to mineral extraction.

Article 15. Tasks of Geological and Hydrogeological-Engineering Investigations (GHEI)

1. Collect, study, process, and synthesize existing materials.

2. Prepare GHEI diagrams at the same scale as the mineral exploration maps for the areas under evaluation.

3. Conduct experimental water pumping from some drill holes and excavation pits in the main aquifer and within the mineral deposit according to established water pumping regulations. Monitor GHEI in all drill holes and some mining excavation works.

4. Collect and analyze samples of surface water and groundwater from the main aquifer, within the mineral deposit, and surrounding rock formations.

5. Collect and analyze physical and mechanical samples of rocks surrounding and within the mineral deposit.

6. Preliminarily assess the impact of mineral extraction on the landscape, environment, population, and economic development of the region.

The specific workload depends on the complexity of the GHEI conditions in the area under evaluation.

Article 16. Requirements for Report Preparation

1. Must reflect and meet the results achieved according to the requirements set forth in Articles 8, 10, and 12 of this Regulation.

2. Meet the requirements specified in the "Regulation on the Development of Feasibility Studies and Basic Investigation Reports on Mineral Resources" issued together with Decision No. 12/1999/QĐ-BCN dated March 17, 1999, by the Minister of Industry.

3. Enhance the application of information technology in data processing, synthesis, and final report preparation.

Chapter 5:

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 17.The feasibility study of mineral resource potential must be carried out by a team or unit with professional expertise and experience in geological-mineral surveys. The managing entity directly responsible for the project must have the capability to inspect, direct, and meet the necessary conditions as prescribed for the implementation of the project.

Article 18. The volume and technical methods of the project must be carried out according to the procedures and design in the project that has been approved by the competent authority and in accordance with current technical regulations. The results of processing geochemical data must be completed within no more than 60 days from the date of sample collection. Preliminary processing of geodetic and geophysical materials must be completed no later than three days after measurement on site is finished. Mineral sample analyses must have results no later than 60 days from the completion of sample collection.

During the implementation of the project, if there are issues arising that are inconsistent with the initial expectations, the head of the project and the implementing unit must promptly prepare a report to submit to the competent state management agency for examination and approval in writing to adjust accordingly to the actual situation.

 

Table 1

CLASSIFICATION OF MINERAL OBJECTS BY DEGREE OF COMPLEXITY IN GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND MINERALS

 

 

ANNEX I

RESERVE LEVEL C2 IS DETERMINED UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

1. The size, shape, attitude, internal structure of the mineral body, and the distribution characteristics of various types of minerals have been determined based on geological and geophysical data, and no fewer than three outcrops or drilling and exploration works sufficient in thickness, fully described, sampled, and analyzed. These works are not sparser than the orientation network of works specified in Annex 3.

2. The boundaries of the reserve blocks are delineated according to the orientation criteria, using a network of works suitable for the reserve level and the degree of complexity of the mineral body (Annex 3) and extrapolated based on geological data. Reserve blocks may be extrapolated from works encountering minerals based on geological, geochemical, and geophysical data, but not exceeding half the distance between works in the evaluation network. Calculation errors do not exceed 80%.

3. The physical composition and quality of the minerals are accurately determined through appropriate sample analysis results meeting the requirements of the mineral type, by studying 1-2 laboratory samples or comparing with similar minerals already studied or being mined and utilized.

4. The mineral body, outcrops, and works encountering minerals are positioned on-site and on topographic maps through geodetic measurements.

5. Mining conditions have been preliminarily evaluated based on monitoring data and compared with similar mineral deposits in the region.

Predictive Resource Level P₁ represents the potential to increase reserves by expanding the distribution area of mineral bodies beyond the reserve boundary at level C₂, or the potential to increase higher-level reserves on newly discovered mineral bodies.

Evaluation of predictive resources for new mineral bodies is based on:

- At least two outcrops or drilling and exploration works encountering minerals that have been sampled to clarify the quality of the minerals and the thickness of the host geological body.

- Exploration indicators (alteration zones, mineralization expressions, mineral float, anomalous geophysical and geochemical features), evidence allowing prediction of depth and distribution area of minerals.

Subsequent evaluation of predictive resources for reserve blocks at level C₂ is based on:

- Geological, geophysical, and geochemical data confirming the extension of mineral bodies.

- Comparison with similar mineral bodies that have been evaluated and explored.

 

ANNEX II

SCALE OF GEOLOGICAL-MINERAL ORIENTATION MAPS IN EACH STEP OF MINERAL RESOURCE POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT

 

 

ANNEX III

NETWORK OF DRILLING AND EXPLORATION WORKS FOR ASSESSING MINERAL BODIES TO DETERMINE RESERVE LEVEL C2

                                                                                       Unit: meters