Authorities in Vietnam have decided to temporarily lift a ban on the export of titanium and zirconium ore and concentrates in a bid to boost its domestic mining industry which is suffering from the global economic situation.
According to this latest decree, producers of titanium ore and concentrate will be able to resume exports by the second half of 2009 until the end of 2010.
Since the ban was implemented on 31 December 2008 exports of minsands have ground to a halt while domestic demand has also dried up, making it increasingly difficult for local mining companies to operate.
The 20% export tax, however, remains unchanged. This tax came into force on 16 June 2008 and replaced previous export tariffs rates of 10%, 15%...