The Vietnam Department of Geology and Minerals has requested the enterprise to implement the plan to close the Chau Binh ruby-sapphire gemstone mine.

On May 13, 2026, the Vietnam Department of Geology and Minerals issued Document No. 1548/DCKS-KS regarding “fulfillment of obligations after the expiration of the mineral license (Doi Ty - Khe Met ruby-sapphire mine, Nghe An province)” to Hanoi Gemstone and Gold Joint Stock Company.

Here, the Vietnam Department of Geology and Minerals announces: Hanoi Gemstone and Gold Joint Stock Company was granted Mineral Exploitation License No. 16/GP-BTNMT dated September 15, 2020, by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (formerly) to exploit the Doi Ty - Khe Met ruby-sapphire mine in Chau Binh commune, Quy Chau district, Nghe An province, with an exploitation period of 5 years and 7 months (until April 15, 2026). To date, the aforementioned Mineral Exploitation License No. 16/GP-BTNMT has expired.

According to legal regulations, the Vietnam Department of Geology and Minerals requires Hanoi Gemstone and Gold Joint Stock Company to implement the following three measures:

- Cease all mineral mining activities within the boundaries of the permitted mining area as stipulated in Mineral Mining License No. 16/GP-BTNMT mentioned above.

- Promptly fulfill the obligations and responsibilities of the organization authorized to exploit minerals after the license expires, as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 66 of the Law on Geology and Minerals.

- Develop a plan for closing the mineral mine in accordance with Article 82 of the Law on Geology and Minerals; complete the mineral mine closure dossier and submit it to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment for appraisal and approval as a basis for implementation.

From April 14, 2026,Nghe An Department of Agriculture and EnvironmentThere is also Official Letter No. 4027/SNNMT-KS urging the preparation of a plan for closing the Chau Binh ruby-sapphire mine and restoring the environment.

To implement these requirements, the Department of Agriculture and Environment requests the Hanoi Gemstone and Gold Joint Stock Company to:

- All mineral mining activities under Mineral Mining License No. 167/GP-BTNMT shall cease from April 15, 2026, when the license expires.

- Remove all machinery, equipment, assets, and related structures from the mining area as required.

- Urgently prepare a mine closure plan in accordance with Article 103 of Decree No. 193/2025/ND-CP and submit the dossier to the Public Administration Service Center of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment for appraisal and approval.

- Organize and implement environmental and land remediation and restoration after mining in accordance with the law.

In addition, the Nghe An Department of Agriculture and Environment also requested the Chau Binh Commune People's Committee to strengthen state management of the expired mining area, supervise the cessation of mining operations, and ensure the closure of the mine by the enterprise.

Urge Hanoi Gemstone and Gold Joint Stock Company to fully fulfill its obligations to close the mine and restore the environment as required. Carry out the task of protecting unexploited mineral resources in the area according to current regulations of the Provincial People's Committee.