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MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE |
SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM Independence – Freedom – Happiness |
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No. 53/2026/TT-BCT |
Hanoi, September 15, 2026 |
PRESCRIBING THE CONTENTS OF BASIC GEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND MINERAL GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Pursuant to the Law on Geology and Minerals No. 54/2024/QH15, as amended by Law No. 147/2025/QH15;
Pursuant to Decree No. 193/2025/ND-CP of the Government elaborating on certain articles and providing measures for the implementation of the Law on Geology and Minerals, as amended by Decree No. 21/2026/ND-CP;
Pursuant to Resolution No. 66.25/2026/NQ-CP of the Government on addressing difficulties and problems related to the state management functions, tasks and powers over industrial parks, geology and minerals;
Pursuant to Decree No. 351/2026/ND-CP of the Government prescribing the functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Industry and Trade;
At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Geology and Minerals of Vietnam;
The Minister of Industry and Trade hereby promulgates a Circular prescribing the contents of basic geological survey and mineral geological survey.
This Circular prescribes detailed regulations on Clause 3 of Article 14 and Clause 3 of Article 20 of the Law on Geology and Minerals, as amended by Law No. 147/2025/QH15, on the contents of basic geological survey for the preparation of national geological maps up to scale 1:50,000 and thematic geological maps at scales larger than 1:50,000; and the contents of mineral geological survey.
This Circular applies to state management authorities for geology and minerals; and organizations and individuals implementing basic geological survey projects and mineral geological survey projects.
CONTENTS OF BASIC GEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR THE PREPARATION OF NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL MAPS AND CONTENTS OF THEMATIC GEOLOGICAL MAPPING AT SCALES LARGER THAN 1:50,000
Section 1. NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL MAPPING
Article 3. Geological map at scale 1:1,000,000
1. Synthesize, analyze and process geological and mineral data at scale 1:500,000, including information on geology, geological resources and minerals at regional and continental scales.
2. Synthesize and compile an overview of the general geological characteristics of certain countries and major continents; define the structural and tectonic framework for the study area.
3. Conduct supplementary investigation of geological, geological resource and mineral information; correlate and delineate stratigraphic units and tectonic units at regional and continental scales.
4. Compile and prepare a geological map showing geological and tectonic elements; and geological and mineral resources, in a manner that meets international integration requirements.
Article 4. Geological map at scale 1:500,000
1. Synthesize, analyze and process geological and mineral data at scale 1:500,000, including information on geology, geological resources and minerals at regional and territorial scales.
2. Synthesize, compile and represent sedimentary, metamorphic and magmatic formations of different ages and compositions; areas where geological resources and minerals are distributed.
3. Conduct supplementary investigation of geological and mineral information; correlate and delineate stratigraphic units and tectonic units at regional and territorial scales.
4. Synthesize geological and mineral data to clarify the geological structure and geological history of the study area; determine the relationship between geological and mineral resources and the lithotectonic assemblage or assemblage of geological structural elements present in the map area.
5. Compile and prepare a geological map comprising geological, tectonic and mineral elements meeting international integration requirements.
Article 5. Geological map at scale 1:250,000
1. Synthesize, analyze and process geological and mineral data at scale 1:250,000, including information on geology, geological resources and minerals.
2. Synthesize, compile and represent in detail geological structures and the distribution and extent of geological resource and mineral types based on the results of basic geological survey and mineral geological survey at larger scales.
3. Conduct supplementary investigation of geological and mineral information; correlate and delineate stratigraphic units and geological structures at regional scale.
4. Conduct predictive zoning of geological and mineral resource potential; prepare a zoning map for geological and mineral resource prediction at the same scale.
5. The geological map shall fully represent geological and tectonic elements; geological resources and minerals meeting regional integration requirements.
Article 6. Geological and mineral map at scale 1:50,000 for onshore areas
1. The preparation of geological and mineral maps at scale 1:50,000 shall cover the following thematic components: mapping of stratigraphic, metamorphic, undifferentiated volcanic and intrusive magmatic formations; structural geology and tectonics; minerals; geomorphology; weathering crust; geological hazards; environmental geology; hydrogeology; engineering geology; geosites; geoheritage.
2. Classify stratigraphic units by material composition, formation age and formation conditions; determine the characteristics and lithological and geochemical composition and represent their distribution and relationships on the map.
3. Discover and preliminarily investigate mineral types; identify mineral prerequisites, indications and distribution patterns; predict areas with mineral potential; clarify the relationship between minerals and geological formations and geological structural elements; determine factors controlling mineral distribution and favorable geological conditions for mineral accumulation; delineate areas with prospects for new deposit discovery or potential for resource increase within and outside known deposit areas.
4. Investigate the current status and delineate predicted areas where geological hazards may occur; geological elements; geochemical, heavy mineral sampling and geophysical anomalies; areas containing hazardous minerals; areas with geological resource and mineral prospects.
Article 7. Geophysical field maps
1. Geophysical field maps at scales 1:1,000,000; 1:250,000; 1:50,000, including: gravity field, magnetic field and radiometric field.
2. Gravity maps
a) Isoline maps of gravity values on a survey grid based on ground gravity survey and airborne gravity survey data; determine the gravity value for each geological entity;
b) Synthesize and analyze gravity field values from the results of gravity map compilation at scale 1:1,000,000 to prepare a crustal tectonic zoning map and for metallogenic prediction;
c) Synthesize and analyze gravity field values from the results of gravity map compilation at scale 1:250,000 to prepare a tectonic map clearly showing fault systems, intrusive bodies, volcanic and sedimentary formations and geological and mineral resource prospects.
3. Magnetic maps
a) Isoline maps of magnetic values on a survey grid based on aeromagnetic survey data; determine the magnetic value of geological entities;
b) Synthesize and analyze magnetic field values from the results of magnetic map compilation at scale 1:1,000,000 to prepare a geological map and for metallogenic prediction;
c) Synthesize and analyze magnetic field values from the results of magnetic map compilation at scale 1:250,000 to prepare a geological map clearly representing geological boundaries, ore-controlling structural elements, and the location, size and morphology of mineralization zones;
d) Synthesize and analyze magnetic field values from the results of magnetic map compilation at scale 1:50,000 to prepare a geological map clearly representing geological boundaries between weakly magnetic rocks, tectonic disruption zones, areas with prospects for magnetic minerals and hydrothermal alteration zones for mineral geological survey.
4. Radiometric maps
a) Radiometric maps at scales from 1:1,000,000 to 1:500,000 for geological mapping surveys and small-scale mineral investigation;
b) Radiometric maps at scales from 1:250,000 to 1:100,000 for geological mapping surveys and medium-scale mineral investigation;
c) Radiometric maps at scales from 1:50,000 and larger for assessing mineral resource potential in areas with radioactive ore and other useful mineral prospects.
Article 8. Geochemical map at scale 1:250,000
1. Determine the geochemical background, geochemical anomalies and geochemical anomaly contrast, and geochemical characteristics of elements.
2. Delineate and predict areas with concealed mineral resource potential and areas that may experience environmental impacts; and determine soil characteristics on the basis of geochemical data.
3. Delineate and predict geological environmental impacts related to the accumulation of hazardous elements.
4. Determine the material composition, environmental geochemical indices, pH and nutrient content of the soil to assess soil quality and classify soils.
Article 9. Geosite and geoheritage map at scale 1:250,000
1. Collect data related to geology and socio-economic conditions.
2. Synthesize and analyze geological data to delineate areas with prerequisites and indications for geosites.
3. Synthesize, analyze and assess the areas already delineated as geosites with prospects for becoming geoheritage (if any).
4. The geosite and geoheritage map at scale 1:250,000 delineates geopark and geoheritage areas that have been investigated and recognized; the current status of investigation; the geosites that have been identified; and areas with prospects for becoming geoheritage.
5. Develop a digital database on geosites and geoheritage.
Article 10. Geomorphological map at scale 1:50,000
1. Classify and describe landforms by origin and age, geomorphological elements (escarpments, divides, drainage lines, erosion gullies, etc.), manifestations of neotectonic and active tectonic processes, and active faults.
2. Determine the endogenic and exogenic geological conditions that give rise to landforms and geomorphological elements.
3. Determine landforms capable of mineral accumulation and destruction; landforms where geological hazards may occur.
4. Delineate and describe landforms capable of containing minerals.
5. Represent on the map landforms, active faults, mineral accumulation and destruction features, and areas predicted to be subject to geological hazards related to landforms.
6. Delineate areas of scenic landscapes with prospects for becoming geomorphological geoheritage.
7. Assess the significance and value of landforms.
Article 11. Weathering crust map at scale 1:50,000
1. Classify weathering crust types on the basis of lithology, geochemistry, mineralogy and age of the weathering crust; clarify the characteristics of the zones from top to bottom based on lithological and mineralogical characteristics (composition, color, fabric, texture, etc.) with different characteristics and oxide content.
2. Determine the formation conditions of the weathering crust based on the factors of parent rock, topography, geomorphology, climate, vegetation and time.
3. Determine the relationship and prospects of supergene minerals, environmental geology, geological hazards and engineering geology.
Article 12. Geological hazard map at scale 1:50,000
1. Synthesize and analyze geological hazard phenomena, indications, prerequisites and manifestations of geological hazard activity; related natural and socio-economic conditions.
2. Analyze topographic and geomorphological characteristics; determine the geological characteristics and physical properties of geological entities and the geological evolution process; causes or triggering factors of geological hazards.
3. Delineate areas at risks of geological hazard occurrence; propose measures to prevent and minimize damage.
Article 13. Environmental geology map at scale 1:50,000
1. Collect and synthesize data on geology and minerals with impacts on the environment; socio-economic conditions and epidemiology.
2. Determine the changes in the geological environment and zone geological environmental contamination; causes and degree of impact on the living environment.
3. Predict the trend of dispersion of hazardous elements in soil and water environments.
Article 14. Engineering geology map at scale 1:50,000
1. Collect, synthesize and analyze data on climate, meteorology, surface water, groundwater, topography, geomorphology and dynamic geological phenomena.
2. Determine the physical and mechanical properties of geological entities by age and by formation origin; determine the hydrogeodynamic characteristics and the relationship between geology, hydrology and engineering works.
3. Carry out engineering geological zoning, clearly representing engineering geological regions, zones and areas, and orientations for sustainable and efficient use.
Article 15. Urban geology map at scale 1:50,000
1. Assess the physicochemical characteristics of geological entities, engineering geological characteristics, hydrogeological characteristics, environmental geology characteristics and geological hazards; the interaction between urban systems and the geological environment.
2. Determine the compatibility between geological space and the process of urban development, urban planning and geological resources.
3. Delineate orientations for the development of urban geological space; predict anthropogenic impacts on the urban geological environment.
Section 2. THEMATIC GEOLOGICAL MAPPING AT SCALES LARGER THAN 1:50,000
Article 16. Thematic geological maps
1. Thematic geological maps are prepared for state management of geology and minerals and scientific research, including: remote sensing; geology; geophysics; geochemistry and heavy mineral sampling; laboratory sample analysis; GIS technology applications, modeling and digital databases.
2. Based on research objectives and practical applications, thematic geological maps are classified into the following types:
a) Tectonic map at scale 1:25,000;
b) Lithostructural map at scales 1:25,000 and 1:10,000;
c) Ore-controlling structure map at scales 1:25,000 and 1:10,000;
d) Prediction map of deep concealed geological and mineral resources at scales 1:25,000 and 1:10,000;
dd) Ore field structure map at scales 1:10,000 and 1:5,000;
e) Petrological map of magmatic bodies at scales 1:25,000 and 1:10,000;
g) Geochemical and weathering crust map at scale 1:25,000;
h) In-depth geophysics, geochemistry, modern sediment and paleogeographic lithofacies map at scales 1:25,000, 1:10,000 and 1:5,000.
Article 17. Comprehensive geological and mineral resource maps
1. Synthesize and analyze the results of basic geological survey, mineral geological survey, mineral exploration and mineral extraction for state management of geology and minerals by sector and locality.
2. Based on management task requirements, comprehensive geological and mineral resource maps are classified into the following types:
a) Geological and mineral resource investigation and assessment status map at scale 1:25,000;
b) Mineral reserve and resource status map at scales 1:25,000 and 1:10,000;
c) Comprehensive status map of national mineral reserve areas, mineral planning and related plans at scales 1:25,000 and 1:10,000.
CONTENTS OF MINERAL GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Article 18. Investigation of geological structures with favorable prerequisites and mineral indications
1. Determine the geological and tectonic elements favorable for the formation and accumulation of minerals.
2. Assess geological entities with mineral resource generation potential.
3. Delineate areas and assess the probability of the existence of main minerals, associated minerals and predict concealed or covered mineral bodies.
4. Predict main mineral resources to category 334a.
5. Prepare a geological and mineral map at scale 1:25,000; delineate areas with prospects for transfer to the mineral resource potential assessment stage.
Article 19. Mineral resource potential assessment
1. Collect and synthesize geological, geophysical and geochemical data for the preparation or representation of geological and mineral maps at scales from 1:10,000 to 1:5,000 or larger depending on the degree of complexity and the size of geological and mineral objects.
2. Determine the geological factors affecting the formation, accumulation and transformation of mineral bodies; determine mineral distribution patterns; predict concealed or covered mineral bodies.
3. Preliminarily assess the amenability to beneficiation of the mineral and the hydrogeological and engineering geological conditions for mineral extraction.
4. Predict main mineral resources to resource category 333; delineate areas with prospects for transfer to mineral exploration and extraction.
This Circular comes into force as of September 15, 2026.
Article 21. Transitional provisions
1. Basic geological survey and mineral geological survey projects and tasks already submitted to competent authorities before the effective date of this Circular may continue to be used for appraisal and approval in accordance with the contents prescribed in this Circular, without having to be resubmitted.
2. Where the technical contents of a basic geological survey or mineral geological survey project or task are adjusted after the effective date of this Circular, the adjusted contents shall be carried out in accordance with this Circular, unless the competent authority decides to continue applying the contents of the approved project or task to ensure consistency.
1. Ministries, ministerial agencies, agencies under the Government and Chairpersons of People’s Committees at all levels shall be responsible for directing the implementation of this Circular.
2. Local specialized agencies for geology and minerals shall be responsible for assisting the province-level People’s Committees and Chairpersons of province-level People’s Committees in implementing this Circular at the local level.
3. Relevant organizations and individuals shall be responsible for implementing this Circular./.
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PP. MINISTER DEPUTY MINISTER Truong Thanh Hoai |
