PanAust Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Daling Zheng.

Phu Bia Mining records strong production in first half of 2022
Phu Bia Mining is pleased to report positive production outcomes in the first six months of 2022 

In the half year to June 30, the Phu Kham Copper-Gold Operation produced 17,987 tonnes (t) of copper in concentrate, 21,935 ounces (oz) gold in concentrate, and 101,122 oz of silver.
More than 10.3 million tonnes (MT) of ex-pit material was mined including 2.9 MT of copper-gold ore. Phu Kham’s copper, gold and silver head grades averaged 0.42 percent, 0.20 grams/t (g/t) and 1.48g/t respectively. An overall copper recovery rate of over 81 percent was achieved.
In the same period, the Ban Houayxai Gold-Silver Operation produced 44,750 ounces (oz) gold and 308,591 ounces (oz) silver. Gold and silver head grades averaged 0.67g/t and 7.21g/t respectively and a gold recovery rate of 78 percent.
PanAust Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Daling Zheng, said that the unwavering dedication and commitment of employees was central to achieving the positive operational performance of PanAust’s Lao registered company, Phu Bia Mining, during the period.
Mr Zheng further added that throughout the half year the Company remained focused on overcoming the operational challenges brought on by COVID-19, rallying around its people and supporting the Government of Laos.
In the March quarter, Phu Bia Mining carried out changes to manage the spread of COVID-19 infections across its operating sites. While the changes mainly targeted the Lao site-based workforce and visitors, the outcomes have been realised across all operations.
“The changes to COVID-19 requirements for incoming site-based workforce and visitors reflected our agility to maintain safe and productive operations. We reduced the

A night view of the Phu Kham Copper-Gold Operation.

The processing plant at the Ban Houayxai Gold-Silver Operation.

number of days in Company-controlled quarantine and required that everyone record a negative rapid diagnostic test and receive a COVID-19 third booster dose before arriving at an operating site,” Mr Zheng said.
In the June quarter, the Company’s focus shifted to supporting its people with an economic recovery package for its Laos-based employees. To assist employees with the tough economic conditions and the rising cost of living, the Company announced a special bonus payment, salary reviews, annual leave cash out and travel allowances to assist its employees throughout 2022.
Also in the June quarter, the Company handed over its 100 percent investment in the newly-built concrete road in Nam Mo village located in Xaysomboun province to the Government of Laos. Phu Bia Mining invested US$1,422,500 in the construction of the 2.728 kilometre, 6 metre wide road, which runs from its Phu Kham Copper-Gold Operation to Ban Nam Mo Secondary School.
Throughout the half year, the Company continued its COVID-19 support to the Government of Laos. In January, the Company presented 10,000 rapid diagnostic test kits to the Vientiane Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention, Control and Response and the Mother and Newborn Hospital in Vientiane. In June the Company presented 100,000 medical face masks for distribution to government medical facilities across Vientiane.
Phu Bia Mining Chairman, Mr Chanpheng Bounnaphol, reiterated how the positive production outcomes were underpinned by strong teams at the Company’s Phu Kham and Ban Houayxai Operations.
“Production in the first six months has reflected the hard work and efforts of our strong Operations and support services teams who have implemented key initiatives to maintain production at both Operations,” said Mr Chanpheng.
“The Company is proud of its commitment to ensuring that its production targets are met, thus delivering benefits to the government and the people of Laos for many years ahead.”

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update August 2, 2022)