Geology and fire safety laws approved in Vietnam
Iain Hoey
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Vietnam enacts new geology and fire safety legislation
Vietnam’s National Assembly has approved the Geology and Mineral Law with 446 out of 448 deputies voting in favour, representing 93.11 per cent of members.
As reported by Vietnam News, the legislation comprises 12 chapters and 111 articles, addressing geological investigations, mineral resource protection, mining operations, resource recovery, and mineral extraction rights auctions.
State management responsibilities are outlined for Vietnam’s mainland, islands, internal waters, territorial seas, exclusive economic zones, and continental shelves.
The law excludes petroleum resources, natural water aside from mineral or hot spring water, and unrelated mineral processing activities.
Amendments were proposed during discussions, including updates to mineral planning categories.
Article 12 introduces classifications as ‘Group I’ and ‘Group II Mineral Planning’ for legal clarity.
Mining permits under Article 56 now have a maximum validity of 30 years, extendable by 20 years.
Permits for projects with viable reserves may be reissued to ensure efficient resource use.
Fire prevention law targets urban safety
The National Assembly also passed the Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Law with 448 out of 450 deputies voting in favour, representing 93.53 per cent of members.
The legislation comprises eight chapters and 55 articles, defining state agency, organisational, household, and individual responsibilities.
Administrative procedures for fire safety have been streamlined, reducing processes from 37 to 10, lowering compliance costs.
Urban housing requirements mandate fire safety equipment such as alarms and extinguishers in densely populated areas with inadequate infrastructure.
Initial enforcement will focus on Hà Nội, HCM City, Đà Nẵng, Cần Thơ, and Hải Phòng.
Other regions are encouraged to adopt these measures voluntarily.
Stricter regulations for repurposed buildings
The fire safety law includes provisions for residential buildings repurposed for businesses such as karaoke bars, nightclubs, and dance halls.
As outlined in Article 23, these conversions must adhere to construction and fire safety standards.
Article 14 prohibits unauthorised modifications that compromise fire safety.
The legislation also requires Vietnamese citizens aged 18 and above, in good health, to participate in local firefighting and rescue teams when needed.
Enhanced safety measures introduced in Vietnam
Vietnam’s new legislation aims to improve geological resource management and fire safety standards.
The Geology and Mineral Law sets updated guidelines for mining permits, resource recovery, and state responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Law introduces urban fire safety requirements, stricter rules for repurposed buildings, and reduced administrative processes, focusing on densely populated cities while encouraging broader adoption across the country.
