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Quang Ninh, a province with over 60 years of coal mining history, has gradually undergone a remarkable transformation when coal resources have gradually been depleted.
Ha Long Bay - one of seven wonders of the world (Taken by baoquangninh.vn)
THE HISTORY OF COAL MINING INDUSTRY
The coal industry in Quang Ninh, with a history spanning over a century, has become a significant symbol of Vietnam's energy industry. Originating in the late 19th century, the first coal mine was exploited by the French in the Hon Gai area in 1888, opening a new chapter in the country's mining industry.
"Discipline and conscientiousness" - the slogan of Quang Ninh miners (Taken by OJ House)
After gaining independence, the coal industry in Quang Ninh has undergone various stages of development and reform. Particularly noteworthy were the establishment of state-owned companies such as Hon Gai Coal Company and Cam Pha Coal Company during the 1960s and 1970s, marking a significant turning point in enhancing productivity and quality in coal mining.
Coal mining activities (Taken by tapchicongsan.vn)
In the post-Renovation period (1986), the coal industry in Quang Ninh underwent a significant transformation with the establishment of the Vietnam Coal Corporation (now Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Group, VINACOMIN) in 1994. VINACOMIN implemented a series of technological improvements, invested in modern machinery, and applied advanced mining processes, resulting in increased coal production and quality. According to VINACOMIN's report, in 2023, Quang Ninh's coal production reached 45 million tons, contributing approximately 90% to the total national coal output.
Coal industry has always been the pride of Quang Ninh people (Taken by OJ House)
THE FLOURISHMENT THANKS TO COAL MINING
Quang Ninh, often referred to as the "mining region" or the "coal capital" of Vietnam, has long been synonymous with vibrant development thanks to its abundant coal resources. Reflecting on over 200 years of mining and development history, coal has played a pivotal role in driving the province's socio-economic progress, contributing to making Quang Ninh a shining beacon on Vietnam's map. According to statistics from before 2010, the industrial sector accounted for a staggering 59% of Quang Ninh province's economic structure, with coal and land revenue contributing to 77% of the provincial budget. Specifically, coal revenue alone comprised 67% of the province's domestic revenue each year.
Thanks to the abundant energy supply from coal, industries in Quang Ninh have experienced robust growth, contributing to the industrialization and modernization of the country. Factories and industrial zones have sprung up in close proximity, generating employment for local residents and attracting investment from both domestic and international sources.
Thermal power plants, cement factories, and shipyards powered by coal along the shores of Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. (Taken by thanhnien.mediacdn.vn)
Revenue from coal mining and export significantly contributes to the state budget, providing resources for the province to invest in healthcare, education, transportation, infrastructure, and other sectors, thereby improving the livelihoods of the people. The coal industry also creates tens of thousands of jobs for the people of Quang Ninh, enabling them to have stable incomes, improve their quality of life, and contribute to the overall development of the locality.
However, as a major industrial and mining hub of the country, the slowed pace of industrial development indicates that Quang Ninh's potential for mining industry development has reached its limit over time. Natural coal reserves have diminished due to centuries of exploitation, requiring costly investments in underground mining. Therefore, if Quang Ninh continues to rely solely on its "brown" economy, it risks falling behind.
Coal is no longer the only spearhead of Quang Ninh (Taken by OJ House)
THE SHIFT TO TOURISM
Fortunately, in addition to its mineral resources, Quang Ninh province has been blessed by nature with extraordinary world natural heritage sites such as Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, along with over 600 historical relics, scenic spots, and the Truc Lam Yen Tu, which embodies the unique essence of Vietnamese Buddhism. With a harmonious blend of land, sea, and culture, Quang Ninh is likened to a miniature Vietnam, brimming with potential, exceptional opportunities, and competitive advantages in tourism. In recent years, Quang Ninh province has been determined to vigorously innovate its sustainable development mindset, promoting green growth, actively transitioning from "brown" to "green" development models. It's actively restructuring the economy in a creative manner, resolutely adapting to new circumstances, particularly in industries and services, to drive economic restructuring towards sustainability.
Following the state's policy, Quang Ninh province has made special efforts to create favorable conditions for tourism enterprises to invest and develop. Most recently, the Phuong Dong tourist area has been invested in by the Phuong Dong Urban Construction Investment Corporation. With its prime location at the gateway to the Van Don economic zone, Phuong Dong serves as a focal point connecting vital arteries in all directions: Provincial Road 334, a 58-meter-wide boulevard linking coastal urban areas in Van Don, a 42-meter road leading directly to Van Don International Airport, and the Hanoi - Ha Long - Van Don - Mong Cai expressway.
Phương Đông Tourism Area (Taken by OJ House)
MORE THAN SEA-BASED TOURISM
Besides continually exploiting its renowned marine resources, Quang Ninh province also harnesses its forest and mountain resources. Many charming coffee shops have been built atop picturesque hills such as La Luna or Thong Zeo. What sets these coffee shops apart is that, besides providing tourists with a place to relax and admire the beauty of this land, they also emulate some of Vietnam's other famous tourist destinations like Da Lat or Sapa, making Quang Ninh a miniature Vietnam worthy of its name. This clever integration ensures that the Land of Coal is always on the list of must-visit destinations every tourist season, not only for adults, groups, and unions but also for young people and enthusiasts of travel trends and "virtual living".
La Luna & Thông Zeo Mountainous Coffee Areas (Taken by OJ House)
THE FATE OF DEPLETED COAL MINES
After addressing the question of transitioning as coal resources gradually diminish, Quang Ninh has excellently tackled another issue: "What to do with the depleted coal mines?" One smart approach has been to transform these areas into ecotourism destinations, resorts, or simply fruit orchards. With characteristics like remote locations, vast expanses of land, proximity to mountains, hills, rivers, and streams, these areas have been redeveloped into tourist attractions in the Mining Land. One of the latest names garnering attention is the "Khe Chè Farm" in Mong Duong Ward, also known as the "largest coal storage basin in Quang Ninh." With diverse activities and convenient locations, these redeveloped tourist areas are becoming increasingly popular among visitors.
While current coal mining practices are accompanied by sustainable maintenance and development measures with promising growth prospects, Quang Ninh is continuing its successful trajectory towards becoming a national beacon by preparing for a long-term plan, embracing timely transitions, maintaining steadfast attitudes, and harnessing sufficient resources.
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Quang Ninh is the province with the largest coal reserves in Vietnam, accounting for more than 90% of the country's coal reserves. This area is famous for large coal mines such as Cam Pha, Hon Gai, and Uong Bi. |
Quang Ninh is likened to a "miniature Vietnam" because it has islands, plains, midlands, hills, etc. The regions have diversity in terrain, landscape, with different climate characteristics. |
What kind of experience would you like to try in Quang Ninh?
Coastal Tourism (Ha Long Bay, Phuong Dong, etc)
City Tourism (Ha Long, Uong Bi, etc)
Leisure Tourism (Cafe, Farm, Resort, etc)
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