Sweden's top mining companies are keen to develop long-term partnerships in Vietnam, according to a recent seminar hosted by the mining industry.

ABB, Scania and Swedish Export Credit Corporation (SEK) were among a host of companies in attendance, jointly hosted by the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin), the Swedish Embassy in Vietnam and the Business Sweden Organisation in Ha Long city.

The August 16 seminar aimed to find new methods to resolve current and future challenges faced by Vietnam's mining sector.

The event also discussed research jointly conducted by Business Sweden and the Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, which showed surface mining of minerals and metals was an essential activity in Quang Ninh, where most of the local mining industry's production and development takes place.

However, findings also revealed mining projects had caused environmental problems including untreated waste water, waste dumps and changes to the terrain.

In an effort to promote sustainable development, experts have encouraged Vinacomin and other mining companies to focus on developing underground mining – methods to extract minerals and metals deep underground.

Speaking at the seminar, Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Camilla Mellander said Sweden, currently one of Europe's largest mining states, will be able to meet Vietnam's increasing demand for innovative technology in the sector.

The event gave businesses from both sides the opportunity to exchange equipment, products and solutions in sustainable practice to benefit the Vietnamese mining sector.-VNA