Circular No. 87/2025/TT-BNNMT on the procedures and formalities for submitting, collecting, and providing geological and mineral information and data

 

CIRCULAR

Regulations on Procedures for Submission, Collection, and Provision of Geological and Mineral Information and Data

BASED ON The Law on Archives June 21, 2024;

BASED ON The Law on Geology and Minerals November 29, 2024;

BASED ON Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CP July 2, 2025, of the Government detailing certain provisions and implementation measures of the Law on Geology and Minerals; BASED ON Decree No. 35/2025/NĐ-CP February 25, 2025, of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; At the proposal of the Director of the Vietnam Geological and Mineral Resources Administration; The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development issues this Circular regulating procedures for submission, collection, and provision of geological and mineral information and data.

This Circular regulates procedures for submission, collection, and provision of geological and mineral information and data.

This Circular applies to organizations and individuals conducting basic geological surveys, geological surveys on minerals, and mineral exploration; archival agencies storing geological and mineral information and data; organizations and individuals submitting, collecting, and providing geological and mineral information and data.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

1. Archival agency for geological and mineral information and data (hereinafter referred to as the archival agency)

Article 2. Applicability

is an entity established by competent authorities with the function of inspecting, collecting, and providing geological and mineral information and data.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

2. Geological and mineral dataincludes all information, documents, figures, samples related to basic geological surveys, mineral surveys, geological environmental monitoring, mineral exploration, exploitation, utilization, closure of mineral mines, and state management activities on geology and minerals, collected, processed, stored, and managed in accordance with the law.

3. Electronic datarefers to information created, sent, received, processed, and stored through electronic means, which can be expressed, exchanged, or retained in digital form.

SUBMISSION OF GEOLOGICAL AND MINERAL DATAArticle 4. Principles for Submission of Geological and Mineral Data

Chapter II

1. Organizations and individuals implementing compulsory basic geological surveys on minerals must submit all geological and mineral data fully and on time during their operations.

2. Data shall be prepared according to national technical standards and specifications (regarding forms, coordinate systems, symbols, contents...).

3. Submitted data must accurately reflect the actual situation, measurement results, and analysis outcomes without arbitrary modification or distortion.

4. Complete and comprehensive submission of files: reports on basic geological surveys, geological surveys on minerals, or mineral exploration (original or electronic copies); original or electronic copies of primary documents including collected materials, survey data, original maps, and related files; geological and mineral samples, museum specimens accompanied by handover records and detailed lists as specified in Point a Clause 2 Article 119 of Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CP.

5. Organizations and individuals responsible for submission must complete the process within sixty days from the completion of the task, project, or program as stipulated in Point b Clause 2 Article 119 of Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CP.

6. Confidential data subject to submission, storage, and publication shall comply with regulations on state secrets protection and shall not be copied or provided arbitrarily.

Article 5. Procedures for Submission of Geological and Mineral Data

1. Organizations and individuals conducting basic geological surveys, geological surveys on minerals, and mineral exploration shall submit reports on the results of these surveys and explorations in the following ways:

a) Directly at the Department of Administrative Services of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development or the People's Committee of the province, or through postal services;

b) Online through the National Public Service Portal.

2. Components of the submission file include:

a) Request for submission from organizations and individuals according to Model No. 01 Appendix I issued together with this Circular;

b) Report file: one (01) set of paper copies and one (01) set of electronic copies (including summary report and primary documents).

3. Presentation format and technical requirements for reports

a) Content of the summary report on the results of basic geological surveys, geological surveys on minerals, and mineral exploration reports shall be presented in accordance with relevant Circulars;

b) Presentation format and technical requirements for summary reports shall be implemented in accordance with Appendix II issued together with this Circular;

c) Presentation format and technical requirements for primary documents in reports on the results of basic geological surveys, geological surveys on minerals, and mineral exploration reports shall be implemented in accordance with Appendix III issued together with this Circular.

b) The format and presentation techniques for the consolidated report shall be carried out in accordance with Appendix II attached to this Circular;

c) The format and presentation techniques for original documents in the report on the results of basic geological surveys, geological surveys on minerals, and reports on the results of mineral exploration shall be carried out in accordance with Appendix III attached to this Circular.

Article 6. Procedures for submitting geological samples, mineral samples, and museum specimens

1. Organizations implementing projects, tasks on basic geological surveys, mineral surveys, and mineral exploration shall be responsible for submitting samples to the Geological Information, Archive, and Museum Center or local sample storage units approved by competent authorities.

a) Submitting electronic versions containing information, images, and documents about the samples through the National Public Service Portal online.

b) Directly submitting samples at the Geological Information, Archive, and Museum Center or local sample storage units, or through postal services.

2. Components of submitted samples include:

a) Geological and mineral samples;

b) Two (02) sets of geological and mineral sample recording forms.

3. Specifications for submitted samples

The specifications for geological and mineral samples and museum specimens, as well as the presentation formats for sample retention documents and submitted samples, shall be carried out in accordance with Circular No. 34/2025/TT-BNNMT dated July 2, 2025, issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, stipulating information and data templates, lists, and specifications for geological and mineral samples, and geological museum specimens.

Chapter III

RECEIPT OF GEOLOGICAL AND MINERAL DATA

Article 7. Responsibilities of archival agencies receiving geological and mineral data

1. Within ten (10) working days from the date of receipt of valid submission files, the archival agency must review and compare the consistency between paper and electronic versions; confirm the file according to the list of products of the project, task that have been accepted and approved.

2. In cases where the results of reviewing and comparing the submitted files are complete according to the list specified in Clause 1 of this Article, the archival agency issues a confirmation of geological data storage acceptance form No. 04 Appendix I accompanying this Circular.

3. In cases where the review results show that the submitted files are incomplete according to the approved list or inconsistent between paper and electronic versions, the archival agency sends a notification to the submitting organization or individual using Form No. 02 Appendix I accompanying this Circular.

Article 8. Responsibilities of archival agencies receiving geological samples and museum specimens

1. Within five (05) working days from the date of receipt of valid samples, the Geological Information, Archive, and Museum Center or local sample storage unita shall be responsible for receiving, reviewing, and inspecting geological and mineral samples, ensuring quantity, specifications, and quality according to the approved list.

2. In cases where the submitted geological and museum specimens meet the requirements stipulated, the archival agency issues a confirmation of geological and mineral sample submission form No. 05 Appendix I accompanying this Circular.

3. In cases where the submitted geological and museum specimens do not meet the requirements stipulated in Articles 9 and 11 of Circular No. 34/2025/TT-BNNMT dated July 2, 2025, issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, regarding information and data templates, lists, and specifications for geological and mineral samples, and geological museum specimens, the archival agency sends a notification to the submitting organization or individual using Form No. 03 Appendix I accompanying this Circular.

Chapter IV

PROVISION, EXPLOITATION, USE OF GEOLOGICAL AND MINERAL INFORMATION AND DATA

Article 9. Principles for providing geological and mineral information and data

1. Agencies, organizations, and individuals participating in the collection, provision of geological and mineral information and data shall comply with the provisions of the Data Law, the Geology and Mineral Resources Law, and other relevant laws governing management, confidentiality, sharing, management, and use of data.

2. State agencies authorized to provide geological and mineral information and data shall be responsible for publicly disclosing the list of provided information and data.

3. Encouragement is given to the provision and exploitation of geological and mineral information and data through digital platforms, including the National Public Service Portal and interconnected, shared, and electronic transaction systems to enhance transparency, convenience, and ease of access and use of information and data.

Article 10. Forms of Provision, Exploitation, and Utilization of Geological and Mineral Information and Data

1. Through direct access at the geological and mineral data storage agency as prescribed by law. Organizations and individuals with a need to exploit and utilize data shall conduct searches, register, and access data at the storage agency.

2. Through the National Public Service Portal via methods of accessing, searching, downloading, and registering for online data exploitation according to the procedures, forms, and conditions stipulated by the data-providing agency.

3. Pursuant to a contract between the data storage agency and organizations or individuals with a need to exploit and utilize information and data, in accordance with the laws on information and data exploitation and utilization and civil law. The contract must clearly specify the content and scope of the data, the form of provision, the rights and obligations of the parties, legal responsibilities, and financial obligations.

Article 11. Procedures and Sequence for Exploiting Geological and Mineral Information and Data

1. The exploitation and utilization of information and data through request forms or written requests shall be carried out as follows:

a) Organizations and individuals requiring reference to geological and mineral information and data must submit a letter or introduction from their current workplace or educational institution, specifying the purpose of the reference so that the storage agency can consider and resolve it accordingly;

b) Organizations and individuals requiring the exploitation and utilization of geological and mineral information and data shall base on the existing list of information and data, prepare a request form or written request according to Form No. 01 in Appendix III issued together with this Circular;

c) The dossier shall be submitted directly, through postal services, or through the National Public Service Portal to the Administrative Procedure Receiving and Result Delivery Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development or the People's Committee of the province;

d) Within five (05) working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid dossier, the state management agency for geological and mineral information and data must issue a written response, clearly stating whether it agrees or disagrees to provide the information and data.

2. After being approved by the competent state management agency, organizations and individuals are permitted to exploit and utilize geological and mineral information and data as follows:

a) Direct exploitation at the storage agency: organizations and individuals must fill out all information according to Form No. 02 in Appendix III issued together with this Circular to obtain the information and data;

b) Electronic environment exploitation: organizations and individuals shall follow the instructions on the National Public Service Portal and have access and use the information and data in accordance with the content approved by the competent authority.

3. After organizations and individuals fulfill their financial obligations as prescribed, the information and data management agency has the responsibility to provide complete and accurate information and data as requested.

Article 12. Responsibilities of Agencies, Organizations, and Individuals Providing, Exploiting, and Utilizing Geological and Mineral Information and Data

1. Using information and data for the registered purposes; fully citing the source of the data and complying with the regulations on protecting state secrets and intellectual property rights.

2. Not copying or transferring geological and mineral archival materials to agencies, organizations, or individuals exploiting and utilizing them contrary to the law.

3. Not distorting the provided information and data.

4. Promptly notifying the management agency if they discover any inaccuracies or omissions in the information and data.

Article 13. Collection, Payment, Management, and Use of Fees and Charges

1. The storage agency implements the collection, management, and use of fees and charges for the exploitation and utilization of geological and mineral information and data in accordance with Articles 3, 4, Clause 2 of Article 5, and Article 6 of Circular No. 11/2024/TT-BTC dated February 5, 2024, issued by the Minister of Finance, stipulating the rates, procedures for collection, payment, management, and use of fees for the exploitation and utilization of geological and mineral materials.

2. Organizations and individuals pay fees and charges for the exploitation and utilization of geological and mineral information and data in accordance with Article 2, Article 4, and Clause 1 of Article 5 of Circular No. 11/2024/TT-BTC dated February 5, 2024, issued by the Minister of Finance, stipulating the rates, procedures for collection, payment, management, and use of fees for the exploitation and utilization of geological and mineral materials.

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 14. Effective Date

1. This Circular shall take effect from January 1, 2026.

2. Article 3, Article 4, Article 5, and Article 6 of Circular No. 12/2013/TT-BTNMT dated June 5, 2013 issued by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall be abolished from the date this Circular takes effect.

3. Article 7, Article 8, Article 9, Article 10, Article 11, Article 12, Article 13, Article 15, and Article 16 of Circular No. 43/2016/TT-BTNMT dated December 26, 2016 issued by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall be abolished from the date this Circular takes effect.

Article 15. Transitional Provisions

Geological and mineral data of projects/proposals/tasks approved by competent authorities before the effective date of this Circular shall continue to be implemented according to the regulations at the time of approval.

Article 16. Implementation Organization

1. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities, heads of units under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Departments of Agriculture and Environment of provinces and centrally governed cities, and related organizations and individuals shall be responsible for implementing this Circular.

2. The Vietnam Geological Survey and Mineral Resources Department, provincial Departments of Agriculture and Environment shall be responsible for disseminating and supervising the implementation of this Circular.

3. During the implementation process, if there are difficulties or obstacles, relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals shall report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment for consideration and decision.