Xepon Mining kickstarts gold ore excavation project in Savannakhet
 
Xepon Mining Co., Ltd. on February 18 broke ground for a trial project in gold ore excavation, processing and export on a 7.32-square kilometre site in Phonhai and Kaengkheup villages in Xepon district, Savannakhet province.

Officials and company representatives break ground at the project opening ceremony in Savannakhet province.

 The groundbreaking ceremony took place in Phonhai village and was attended by the Head of the Savannakhet Administration Office, Mr Thongsai Xayyavongkhamdy; Head of the Savannakhet Energy and Mines Department, Mr Bounluan Lysayyalath; former leading official of Savannakhet province, Mr Phouthone Yodbounheung; Deputy Director of the Mine Management Department, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Mr Sathaphone Duangtavanh; Deputy Governor of Xepon district, Mr Sombath Itthavong; Director of Xepon Mining Co., Ltd., Mr David Moore; company representatives and officials; village heads; and local authorities.
Speaking at the event, Mr Sathaphone said “In order to make this project succeed, we urge every related sector from the central to local levels to cooperate, assist and facilitate the related tasks. The success of the project will contribute to the country’s development.”
Mr Moore said “We began this project over 10 years ago and are making all kinds of preparations in relation to finance, technology, survey information, and the procurement of machinery and other essential equipment.”
“We paid more than US$3 million in tax to the Lao government before requesting the official launch of excavation, processing and export of gold ore,” he added.
Another company representative said “If the project goes well, it will create jobs for Lao people, especially those living in the project area. In addition, our company will support local communities with infrastructure, health services and education. We will build and improve roads, build schools, repair village offices, drill for groundwater, set up village funds, and provide other forms of assistance.”

Officials and company representatives cut a ribbon at the groundbreaking ceremony.	Management and staff of Xepon Mining Co., Ltd. pose for a photo to mark the project opening.

A concession for the project was granted following an earlier cooperation contract between Xepon Mining Co., Ltd. and the Department of Geology and Minerals, Ministry of Energy and Mines, for a mineral study in Sepon district in 2014 on a 206.72 square kilometre site. The original exploration period was for one year and was extended 3 times because the ore body is incredibly complex.
The company has done extensive modelling, research and testing to ensure the project’s technical success.
After the study, the company reduced the proposed site to 7.32 square kilometres.
To support the government’s revenue collection, the company submitted an intent for a concession for gold survey, excavation and processing within a trial period of three years in 2021 before the government approved the project in February last year.

Representatives of Xepon Mining Co., Ltd., officials and representatives of Phonhai and Kaengkheup villages gather for a photo after the groundbreaking ceremony on February 18.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update February 24, 2023)