Wood processing and concerns about raw material supply.

(Baonghean) - The MDF wood processing project is considered the largest in Southeast Asia currently, requiring extensive planning for raw material sourcing areas.

The total raw material demand when both production lines are operational is estimated at 800,000 tons per year. Currently, along with urgently installing equipment to complete and bring the MDF and laminated wood processing plant into operation as soon as possible, Thang Nam Forestry Company is securing its raw material supply.

According to the report, as of March 2015, the forest area within the planning zone of the MDF wood and fiberboard processing plant owned by Thang Nam Forestry Joint Stock Company was 531,255.3 hectares, of which the plant's planted forest area was 136,738 hectares. The area and volume of trees aged 5 years and older within the planning zone of 12 districts totaled 3,230.85 hectares, with a volume of 210,005.25 m³.³The raw material forest areas for processing are located in 9 districts such as Nghia Dan, Quy Hop, Yen Thanh, Thanh Chuong... The main tree species are acacia and eucalyptus, with acacia accounting for 85%.

The total estimated raw material demand is 800,000 tons/year. The operation of the timber and plywood production lines helps farmers in Nghe An develop raw material forestry.

To prepare for production, the May Forestry Joint Stock Company has developed a detailed plan for raw material procurement, outlining the actual procurement volume, and submitted it to local authorities and major forest owners. Quarterly discussions will be held to resolve issues and create favorable conditions for the people. Loyal suppliers to the project will receive preferential treatment.

Currently, the company has established partnerships with Dong Bac and Phu Quy companies to supply raw materials to the factory; develop high-tech seedling nurseries; and support forest planters. In addition, it collaborates with a bio-fertilizer processing company under the TH Group to provide fertilizers and preferential policies. Forest planters participating in the project will also be supported by Bac A Bank to secure and access preferential financing. Alongside implementing effective procurement policies, the company pays special attention to forest planting.

Mr. Le Hong Son, Chairman of the Nghia Dan District People's Committee, shared: "Given the high demand for raw materials for this project, Nghia Dan district, with its limited forest area, will focus on directing communes to invest in increasing the productivity of planted forests. The district has proactively reviewed the forest area for raw materials, assessing the reserves and yield of planted forests for the MDF wood processing project, which is invested in by Thang Nam Forestry Company. Along with that, we are focusing on planning, intensive forest management techniques, tree varieties, and strengthening protection and care efforts."

The wood panel production line is undergoing trial runs.

However, the current problem is ensuring the supply of raw materials for the factory to operate. Currently, there is a phenomenon of private traders buying up raw materials within the factory's planned area. In the eucalyptus forest of Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh in Dong Hoi 1 hamlet (Nghia Hoi, Nghia Dan), we witnessed people cutting down trees and loading them onto trucks to transport them to Quang Ninh to be used as support pillars for coal mine tunnels.

Identifying raw materials is crucial for the sustainable operation of the factory, so Mr. Nguyen Cong Vinh – General Director of Thang Nam Forestry Joint Stock Company – is extremely concerned about this issue. Mr. Vinh stated: "There have been instances of unlicensed wood chip processing facilities operating in the province, causing difficulties for businesses investing in wood processing projects within the planning area due to a shortage of raw materials. Currently, the factory has not officially started operations, so the demand for raw materials is not yet high. However, in the long term, if local authorities do not decisively improve management in this area, it could easily lead to disruption of regional planning and socio-economic development. Recently, to proactively secure raw materials, we have contacted and worked with localities with large forest areas such as Tuong Duong and Con Cuong to expand the area of ​​raw material forests."

However, because small-scale private processing facilities do not develop their own raw material production areas, but mainly rely on readily available local resources, this negatively impacts investors with existing processing plants in the area. Furthermore, indiscriminate and unregulated logging leads many people to cut down young trees that are not yet ready for harvesting. This not only harms businesses but also negatively impacts forest growers and the province's investment environment.

The wood processing and MDF fiberboard project, once operational, will bring economic benefits and development not only to the investor but also to the local people. Therefore, authorities at all levels, managers, and forest owners need to effectively manage the established plan to ensure sufficient raw materials for the project.

Thu Huyen