Japanese and domestic partners submitted a project to build a US$300-million aluminium hydroxide plant to the Ba Ria - Vung Tau provincial People's Committee on April 9.

The joint-venture between Sojitz corporation, the Nippon Light Metal Company, the Vietnam National Chemical Corporation and the South Basic Chemical Company, will use US$200 million in credits granted by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

Covering 100 hectares, the plant will house a 40-ha factory and a 60-ha waste treatment facility. Its raw materials will be sourced from a bauxite-mining site in Bao Loc district in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong.

The provincial authorities plan to conduct research next week to help the investors find an appropriate location for the plant.

The Nippon Light Metal Company is the biggest in Japan that specialises in producing high-quality aluminium products. Sojitz is one of largest Japanese trading companies.