VN has competitive edge in critical mineral supply

VN has competitive edge in critical mineral supply

Việt Nam can leverage its natural resource wealth and advanced deep-processing capabilities to solidify its role as a trusted partner in critical mineral supply chains, as countries around the world are stockpiling strategic minerals.

Major economies around the world are focusing on stockpiling critical minerals. — Photo courtesy of Masan

Việt Nam can leverage its natural resource wealth and advanced deep-processing capabilities to solidify its role as a trusted partner in critical mineral supply chains, as countries around the world are stockpiling strategic minerals.

The world is entering an era of resource nationalism, as major economies such as the US, Europe to India are accelerate the stockpiling and control of minerals in order to safeguard their positions in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and defense, and protecting themselves from potential disruptions to global value chain.

This is being driven by two powerful forces: the rapid expansion of green energy technologies and the growing fragility of global supply chains.

The France-based International Energy Agency (IEA), highlighted the risks of high supply concentration of critical mineral supplies from China, especially in processing and refining.

Meanwhile, the development of new mining projects elsewhere faces significant hurdles including capital intensity, technological constraints and lengthy permitting processes.

Beijing's tightening of export controls on rare earths and strategic metals in 2025 has already sent ripple effects on the global electric vehicle, semiconductor and defense industries.

As a result, the metals market is increasingly being shaped by policy and geopolitical factors rather than the traditional model of supply and demand, leading to export restrictions and domestic prioritisation.

Amidst this intensifying resource competition, Việt Nam is emerging as a neutral and stable node within the global strategic mineral supply network.

Its foreign policy of multilateral engagement, combined with Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with major economies, provides the foundation for it to become a reliable destination for strategic materials.

A clear testament to this internal strength is the Núi Pháo polymetallic mine – the largest operational tungsten mine outside of China – which plays a pivotal role in diversifying global supply and gradually breaking supply monopolies.

The Núi Pháo mine is operated by Masan High-Tech Materials, a subsidiary of Masan Group, with a fully integrated value chain spanning mining, advanced processing, and high-tech material production.

Its processing facilities meet international standards and strictly adhere to ESG principles, including environmental governance, occupational safety, and social responsibility.

This integrated model enhances the value of domestic resources while meeting the increasingly stringent technical and sustainability standards of global markets.

Masan High-Tech Materials not only elevates the value of Vietnamese minerals but also strengthens the nation’s standing as a dependable partner ready to meet the supply security requirements of global strategic material chains.

As minerals are weaponised to ensure economic and national security, the capacity to proactively participate in and command global value chains will determine national standing.

Việt Nam has the opportunity to transform from a resource- owning nation into a value-shaping participant within strategic supply chains by strengthening deep-processing capabilities, upholding sustainability standards, and expanding international cooperation.  

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