The MoIT inspection delegation has conducted a working session with Vimico on disaster prevention and control as well as preparedness for the 2026 rainy and storm season.

Enhancing risk forecasting capacity

On June 3, in Lao Cai, the MoIT inspection delegation led by Trinh Van Thuan, Deputy Director of Industrial Safety Techniques and Environment Agency, held a working session with Vimico and Sin Quyen Copper Mine and Processing Branch, Lao Cai - Vimico. During the visit, the delegation inspected preparations for the 2026 rainy and storm season in accordance with Directive No.09/CT-BCT on strengthening disaster prevention and control across the industry and trade sector.

The delegation included representatives from units under the Department of Industrial Safety Techniques and Environment, representatives of TKV Minerals Corporation, members of the corporation's research team, and representatives of Sin Quyen Copper Mine and Processing Branch, Lao Cai - Vimico.

During the inspection and field survey, representatives of Sin Quyen Copper Mine introduced a research project on the development of an automated monitoring, forecasting and early warning system for slope stability and tailings dam safety at TKV's copper mines.

In an interview with Newspaper of Industry and Trade, Le Tuan Ngoc, Deputy General Director of Vimico, said that in addition to implementing comprehensive disaster prevention and control measures in accordance with regulations, the corporation is actively promoting scientific and technological applications and digital transformation to enhance forecasting and early warning capabilities for risks in mining operations.

“In the past, monitoring activities were conducted mainly on a periodic basis, with some items assessed quarterly or annually. We are now gradually shifting toward a proactive real-time monitoring, forecasting and warning model,” Le Tuan Ngoc said.

Accordingly, the corporation is deploying an integrated monitoring system incorporating advanced technologies, including the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to track large-scale surface displacement, sensors installed in dam boreholes to monitor internal structural changes, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications for data analysis and risk forecasting.

The system is designed to provide comprehensive real-time monitoring of both surface and subsurface conditions, enabling the early detection of abnormal signs and supporting the development of timely response plans. It is considered one of the first studies of its kind implemented in the corporation's mining sector.

Data collected from various sensor groups, including GPS devices monitoring surface displacement, groundwater level sensors and subsurface displacement sensors, are continuously transmitted to a central control centre. There, the data are integrated and displayed through a visual dashboard, allowing operators to monitor the status of each mining area in real time. Operational conditions are clearly categorised from normal to warning and alarm levels, enabling operators to easily identify risks and take timely action.

Based on the collected data, the research team has developed an AI model to analyse trends and provide early forecasts of potential structural instability. The model is capable of reflecting current conditions while also generating forecasts over different timeframes, ranging from several minutes and tens of minutes to several hours and beyond, thereby providing additional time for response measures. According to initial testing results, the system has achieved an accuracy rate of approximately 87%, although further refinement will be required as more operational data become available.

In addition to forecasting functions, the system incorporates a multi-channel warning mechanism. When abnormalities are detected, warning signals are simultaneously activated on the central monitoring screen, field alarm lights and sirens, while notifications are sent via platforms such as Zalo, Telegram, SMS and email to responsible personnel. This mechanism is intended to ensure that information is delivered as quickly as possible to both on-site operators and remote management teams.

Implementing comprehensive safety measures for disaster prevention and control

Following the field inspection and survey, the MoIT delegation held a direct working session with TKV Minerals Corporation and Sin Quyen Copper Mine and Processing Branch.

Reporting to the delegation, Vu Dinh Hung, Deputy Director of Sin Quyen Copper Mine and Processing Branch, Lao Cai – Vimico, said that since the beginning of 2026, the unit has proactively developed and implemented comprehensive disaster prevention, control and search-and-rescue plans in accordance with the principle of "three proactive measures and four on-the-spot resources". It has also strengthened its disaster prevention and search-and-rescue command structure and established 10 grassroots emergency response teams comprising 170 personnel ready to handle arising situations.

The unit has issued all necessary plans and response scenarios corresponding to different levels of disaster risk; consolidated its disaster prevention and search-and-rescue command board headed by the branch director; and maintained 10 grassroots disaster response teams at workshops and functional departments with a total workforce of 170 people. These teams serve as the core force, ready to conduct emergency response, evacuation and rescue operations directly at affected sites.

Particular attention has been paid to ensuring the safety of critical facilities. To date, the unit has completed the rehabilitation of its environmental dam and put it into operation on March 31, 2026; completed the installation of HDPE liners for the environmental emergency reservoir; reinforced Tailings Disposal Site No.1; completed HDPE lining across the entire base of Tailings Disposal Site No.4; and installed a surface water recovery pumping system to support production activities.

At areas prone to landslides, particularly the southeastern mine slope and waste disposal sites, the unit has intensified inspections of geological conditions, installed warning signs at vulnerable locations and implemented reinforcement measures to ensure the safety of workers, equipment and production facilities.

Regarding the mine drainage system, the unit has dredged and cleared surface drainage channels and maintained personnel on duty to operate pumping systems around the clock during rainy periods in order to control water levels in mining pits and minimise flooding risks. At the Vi Kem underground mine area, drainage pumping systems have been reinforced and remain ready to operate at maximum capacity, while surface terrain is regularly inspected to promptly address subsidence points and prevent rainwater infiltration into underground tunnels.

At the same time, all workshops, warehouses, electromechanical facilities, communication systems and internal transportation routes have been reviewed and reinforced ahead of the rainy season. The unit has strengthened high-voltage and low-voltage power systems, lightning protection systems and lighting equipment in production areas, while also equipping personnel with eight radio communication devices and three satellite phones to ensure uninterrupted communications under all circumstances.

According to Vu Dinh Hung, the unit has also fully prepared emergency response materials and equipment in line with the "four on-the-spot resources" principle, including thousands of sandbags, shovels, flashlights, life buoys, life jackets, diesel generators and large-capacity backup pumps. Mechanical equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, ambulances and transport vehicles for evacuation and rescue operations remain on standby for deployment whenever required.

Alongside preparations in personnel and equipment, communication, training and disaster response drills have been conducted regularly. The branch has ensured that 100% of its employees receive training on emergency response plans, disaster risk identification, safe evacuation procedures and emergency handling skills. In May 2026, the unit organised a disaster prevention and search-and-rescue exercise based on realistic scenarios, thereby enhancing command, coordination and emergency response capabilities at operational sites.

"Although the mining area is extensive, geographically complex and exposed to numerous disaster risks, the unit has proactively implemented comprehensive preventive measures and strengthened on-site response capacity to ensure the safety of employees, production facilities and stable business operations throughout the 2026 rainy and storm season," Vu Dinh Hung emphasised.

Promoting the application of monitoring and early warning systems

Concluding the working session, Trinh Van Thuan highly appreciated the disaster prevention and control preparations made by Vimico and Sin Quyen Copper Mine and Processing Branch, Lao Cai, ahead of the 2026 rainy and storm season.

He requested the unit to focus on several key tasks. First, it should continue to strictly implement Directive No.09/CT-BCT issued by the Minister of Industry and Trade on strengthening disaster prevention and control efforts in 2026. At the same time, it should review and further specify tasks and solutions for each department and workshop to ensure effective and consistent implementation.

Second, the unit should strengthen inspections and safety assessments of facilities before the rainy season, particularly reservoirs, dams, waste disposal sites and unstable slopes; closely monitor conditions and promptly detect abnormal signs for timely intervention, ensuring that no incidents occur.

Third, it should strictly implement approved disaster prevention plans, emergency response plans and operating procedures for reservoirs and tailings facilities; proactively prepare sufficient personnel, equipment and materials in accordance with the "four on-the-spot resources" principle to ensure readiness under all circumstances, including situations involving isolation or disrupted access.

Fourth, the unit should further strengthen communication, training and capacity-building activities on safety and disaster prevention for employees, enhancing risk awareness, emergency response skills and operational capabilities at field sites.

Regarding the monitoring, supervision and early warning system for dam safety currently being researched and deployed by the corporation, Thuan said it represented a highly practical approach consistent with efforts to modernise industrial safety management. He recommended further improvements to make the system more intuitive and user-friendly, clearly displaying monitoring locations in relation to engineering cross-sections and specific warning thresholds to support timely command and decision-making.

In addition, he stressed the need to gradually standardise and develop time-series monitoring databases. Such data would support not only real-time warning functions but also trend analysis, structural stability assessments and future maintenance, upgrading and design activities.

The Deputy Director of  Industrial Safety Techniques and Environment Agency  emphasised the importance of continuing research into expanding the system's application, prioritising installation at critical areas with high instability risks, particularly mine slopes and large waste disposal sites.