Sweden's top mining companies are keen to develop long-termpartnerships in Vietnam, according to a recent seminar hosted by themining industry.

ABB, Scania and Swedish Export CreditCorporation (SEK) were among a host of companies in attendance, jointlyhosted by the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group(Vinacomin), the Swedish Embassy in Vietnam and the Business SwedenOrganisation in Ha Long city.

The August 16 seminar aimed tofind new methods to resolve current and future challenges faced byVietnam's mining sector.

The event also discussed researchjointly conducted by Business Sweden and the Hanoi University of Miningand Geology, which showed surface mining of minerals and metals was anessential activity in Quang Ninh, where most of the local miningindustry's production and development takes place.

However,findings also revealed mining projects had caused environmental problemsincluding untreated waste water, waste dumps and changes to theterrain.

In an effort to promote sustainable development,experts have encouraged Vinacomin and other mining companies to focus ondeveloping underground mining – methods to extract minerals and metalsdeep underground.

Speaking at the seminar, Swedish Ambassadorto Vietnam Camilla Mellander said Sweden, currently one of Europe'slargest mining states, will be able to meet Vietnam's increasingdemand for innovative technology in the sector.

The event gavebusinesses from both sides the opportunity to exchange equipment,products and solutions in sustainable practice to benefit the Vietnamesemining sector.-VNA