Lam Dong Set to Launch Vietnam’s First Aluminum Ingot, Completing Domestic Aluminum Value Chain
Nguyen Luong - Duong Phong•24/07/2026 21:40
Lam Dong Province is preparing to unveil Vietnam’s first domestically produced aluminum ingot on July 26, marking a milestone for the country’s metals industry and the culmination of more than a decade of investment in the bauxite–alumina–aluminum value chain.
The launch of the first aluminum product from the Dak Nong Aluminum Smelter is expected to strengthen Vietnam’s industrial base, reduce reliance on imported primary aluminum, and position Lam Dong as a strategic manufacturing hub.
Ho Van Muoi, Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, inspects the progress of the Dak Nong Aluminum Smelter project ahead of its commercial launch.
A decade-long industrial ambition becomes reality
The Dak Nong Aluminum Smelter, developed by Tran Hong Quan Metallurgy Co., Ltd., occupies 129.42 hectares in Nhan Co Industrial Park, Nhan Co Commune, Lam Dong Province.
The Dak Nong Aluminum Smelter project developed by Tran Hong Quan Metallurgy Co., Ltd.
Designed with an ultimate annual capacity of 450,000 metric tons, the project is being implemented in three phases:
Phase 1: 150,000 metric tons per year
Phase 2: 300,000 metric tons per year
Phase 3: 450,000 metric tons per year, scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027.
Construction began in 2015, making the facility Vietnam's first aluminum smelter and the final downstream component of the country's integrated bauxite mining – alumina refining – aluminum production industry.
The Dak Nong Aluminum Smelter is producing its first aluminum products.
The project endured years of challenges, including prolonged rainy seasons in the Central Highlands, disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and administrative hurdles involving land clearance, infrastructure, and regulatory procedures.
Provincial authorities consistently supported the project throughout both the investment preparation period (2012–2014) and the construction phase.
The first shipment of aluminum ingots is expected to be delivered on July 26, 2026.
"There were periods when construction nearly came to a standstill," said Tran Hong Quan, Chairman of Tran Hong Quan Metallurgy Co., Ltd.
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Our achievement reflects not only years of persistence, but also the unwavering cooperation among local authorities, our company and our partners.
Tran Hong Quan, Chairman of Tran Hong Quan Metallurgy Co., Ltd.
Momentum accelerated in 2025.
A strategic agreement signed on February 18 with EPC contractor NFC mobilized more than 70 subcontractors, while financing agreements concluded on March 21 with MB Bank and other financial institutions secured additional capital for the project.
Aluminum production lines at the Dak Nong Aluminum Smelter.
Installation of major equipment began on December 20, 2025, with engineers and workers operating around the clock to prepare the plant for production.
Once fully operational, the project is expected to create approximately 3,500 jobs while creating opportunities for downstream manufacturing and supporting industries.
The Dak Nong Aluminum Smelter currently provides employment for hundreds of local workers.
Provincial authorities say the plant will become a major contributor to state budget revenue after reaching full design capacity in early 2027.
For Lam Dong, the aluminum smelter represents more than a single industrial investment.
It completes the province's integrated industrial chain—from bauxite mining and alumina refining to primary aluminum production—creating a foundation for future downstream aluminum processing industries.
Workers inside the smelting workshop.
Nguyen Ba Ut, Director of the Lam Dong Department of Industry and Trade, said the project will contribute to provincial economic growth while reducing Vietnam's dependence on imported aluminum.
Vietnam currently imports approximately US$1.5 billion worth of aluminum annually, according to provincial officials.
"Today's aluminum ingots will become powerful magnets for investment in precision engineering, advanced materials, electronics, transportation equipment and renewable energy," Nguyen Ba Ut said. "These industries will create new opportunities for Lam Dong to accelerate industrialization and economic restructuring."
Aluminum ingots are being produced continuously during July 2026.
Lam Dong possesses Vietnam's largest estimated bauxite reserves, with approximately 5.4 billion metric tons of ore.
Officials believe the smelter will enable Vietnam to produce primary aluminum domestically, adding value to existing alumina production while reducing import dependence.
Aluminum production is highly automated throughout the manufacturing process.
Ho Van Muoi, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, described the project as the result of sustained support from the central government, ministries, provincial authorities and the private sector.
He said the aluminum smelter is a strategic project for both Vietnam's bauxite-aluminum industry and Lam Dong's long-term economic development.
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Lam Dong has high expectations for the success of this project and will continue supporting its operation by addressing challenges promptly as they arise
Ho Van Muoi, Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee
He also urged Tran Hong Quan Metallurgy Co., Ltd. to accelerate construction of Phases 2 and 3 to achieve full production capacity on schedule.
Provincial leaders view the project as a critical driver of Lam Dong's goal of achieving sustained double-digit GRDP growth while fostering the development of manufacturing, logistics and industrial support services.
Construction of the project began in September 2014 on nearly 130 hectares at Nhan Co Industrial Park, formerly in Dak Nong Province and now part of Lam Dong Province.
The launch of Vietnam's first aluminum ingot is widely regarded as a landmark for the country's industrial development, signaling the emergence of a fully integrated domestic aluminum supply chain and a new chapter for value-added manufacturing in Lam Dong.
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