The First Non-Ferrous Metallurgical Plant in Ha Tinh: A New Era for Vietnam’s Deep Processing Industry

The deployment of the low-carbon Ferro Chromium production and refining plant project by Lirr Vietnam Metallurgical Materials Co., Ltd. (a Hong Kong, China investor) in the Vung Ang Economic Zone (EZ), Ha Tinh, and its expected operation in September 2025 is more than just a piece of economic news. This marks a historic milestone, signifying the arrival of the first non-ferrous metallurgical plant in the province. It opens a new chapter for the deep processing industry, particularly in the field of specialized metals and alloys, in Central Vietnam.

In the context where Vietnam is accelerating the shift in its growth model—reducing dependence on raw material exports and increasing the content of deep processing and value addition in the production chain—this project, with a total investment of nearly $44.6 billion VND and a designed capacity of 12,000 tons of product per year, carries a strategic significance beyond the local scope. It reaffirms the appeal of the Vung Ang EZ and the vigorous transformation of Ha Tinh in attracting high-quality Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), especially projects that serve the critical supporting industry.

Strategic Context and Market Opportunity

The plant’s main product is low-carbon Ferro Chromium (Low-Carbon Chromium Alloy), an indispensable input material in the production of:

• Stainless Steel: Representing the largest share, Chromium is the core component that provides corrosion resistance.
• Acid-Resistant and Heat-Resistant Steel: Widely used in the chemical industry, oil and gas, and energy sectors (power plants, boilers).

According to Mr. Huang Ya Dong, General Director of Lirr Vietnam Metallurgical Materials Co., Ltd., the global demand for this commodity is immense. Vietnam and neighboring countries (such as Southeast Asia) are witnessing a strong development in these industries, especially stainless steel production. The Vung Ang project will not only supply the domestic market, helping local steel enterprises reduce reliance on imports, but also targets exports, anticipating the wave of stainless steel industry development in the region.

Promoting the Advantage of Deep Mineral Processing

Vietnam possesses diverse mineral resources, including deposits of Chromium, Titanium, and Manganese ores. However, for many years, exporting these mainly in the form of raw or semi-processed ore has resulted in a massive loss of economic value.

• Increasing Product Value: The Lirr Vietnam project shifts the focus from mining and processing ore (if any) to the refined production of high-value non-ferrous alloys, whose value is many times higher. Low-carbon Ferro Chromium is a high-quality semi-finished product with international commercial value.
• Reducing Raw Ore Export: It contributes to implementing the national policy of restricting raw ore exports, preserving resources, and promoting the domestic industry’s transition towards deep processing.

Significance for Vietnam’s Metallurgical Industry

Vietnam is currently a major steel producer, but most specialized alloy raw materials still have to be imported. The Lirr Vietnam project addresses the problem of localizing the source of input materials for the stainless steel and specialized steel sectors, helping domestic manufacturers stabilize their supply and reduce production costs.

It is a crucial link in completing the value chain of Vietnam’s metallurgical industry, shifting from the production of common construction steel to specialized, high-tech steel types. This elevates Vietnam’s position on the regional industrial map.

With modern technology, strict environmental commitments, and a strategic vision to meet global market demand, this first non-ferrous metallurgical plant promises not only direct economic benefits but also plays a vital role in perfecting the national industrial production chain, enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnam’s steel industry, and creating a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the Vung Ang EZ in the coming years.

This event marks a new era where Vietnam’s mineral resources are exploited and processed in the most sophisticated and efficient manner, bringing maximum benefit to the country.

Source: Ha Tinh Newspaper