Status and environmental issues of ilmenite mining activities at Hon Rom–Bau Trang, Binh Thuan province

Abstract

The activities of ilmenite mining along the coast of Binh Thuan have been devastating and causing serious environmental isues. By collecting the materials, taking the environmental survey and analysing the water samples at Hon Rom - Bau Trang area in Binh Thuan province, the authors assessed the impacts of ilmenite mining to the changes in geomorphology - topography, degradation of groundwater resources, salinization, or the potential risk from the radioactive and environmental incidents such as sand-blow, sand movement, the break of reservoir-banks. As a part of this study, the solutions, based on the above analyzed results, are suggested to manage ilmenite mining projects, to protect the environment, and to serve the sustainable development.