Ho Chi Minh City plans to exploit ten sand mines offshore of coastal Can Gio district to prepare materials for the construction of the Can Gio Sea Encroachment Urban Area Project.

The total reserve of these mines is estimated at 27 million cu m, equivalent to 20 per cent of the project’s needs.

The project was approved by the Prime Minister and has estimated investment of over VND76 trillion ($3.16 billion).

It will be developed in coastal Long Hoa commune and Can Thanh town on an area of 2,870 ha.

City authorities said the exploitation of sea sand to level ground for construction of the project will help facilitate implementation. However, the investor is required to assess the environmental impact and complete other procedures before exploiting the mines.

Can Gio is some 50 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City and is its sole coastal district. It has a coastline of 23 km and covers a total area of 71,300 ha, of which 70 per cent are mangrove forests and rivers.

Ho Chi Minh City plans to promote tourism development in Can Gio district and develop it into a tourism urban area at the regional and international level.