Vietnam has identified and assessed over 20 deposits and occurrences of barytes deposits with total reserves of 6.213m. tonnes. On the basis of distribution, mineralisation type and ore quality of the deposits, it is possible divide the three main prospective regions in Vietnam as north-east Bac Bo, north Trung Bo and north-west Bac Bo (
see map).
The country’s barytes deposits occur mainly as three types: mono-mineralic barytes, barytes with sulphur, and barytes with rare earth minerals and fluorspar, of which the first type are widespread, accounting for about 80% of the prospective areas.
North-east Bac Bo region
In the provinces of Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, Lang Son and Bac Giang, deposits and occurrences of barytes have been discovered, with some deposits in Tuyen Quang being exploited at an industrial scale.
Elsewhere, provinces such as Phu Tho and Lang Son have also seen small-scale barytes...