(from left) PBM General Manager Operations, David Reid; Mr Chanpheng Bounnaphol, Daling Zheng; Mr Thongphat Inthavong; Mr Tongmoua Xuako; and PBM Managing Director, Steve Gimpel at the Ban Houayxai Mine ceremony.

Phu Bia Mining celebrates 10th anniversary of Ban Houayxai Gold-Silver Operation

Phu Bia Mining ceremonially celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Ban Houayxai Gold-Silver Operation at the Ban Houayxai Mine in Longchaeng district, Xaysomboun province. 
Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, Mr Thongphat Inthavong, and Xaysomboun Provincial Deputy Governor, Mr Tongmoua Xuoako, toured the Operation’s award-winning process plant, open pit, gold pour room and the Ban Houayxai Extension project with other government officials, as part of the celebrations. 
PanAust Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Daling Zheng, welcomed the central and Xaysomboun Provincial Government representatives, and marked the Operation’s significant milestone.
Mr Zheng said “On behalf of PanAust’s parent company, Guangdong Rising Holding Group Co., Ltd., I extend the Company’s sincere gratitude to the Government of Laos for their enduring support.”

Representatives from PanAust, Phu Bia Mining and visitors from Lao media, central and Xaysomboun Provincial governments at the Ban Houayxai Gold-Silver Operation’s process plant on  February10.

“I thank and congratulate our people on the 10-year anniversary of our Ban Houayxai Operation. Over the years, Ban Houayxai has become a significant contributor to the local economy, creating jobs and improving the livelihoods of many people.”
“This outstanding operational achievement will continue, with our commitment to the Government’s green policy aimed at environmental management and sustainable development. We are committed to building a high standard of operations, enduring strong and sustainable partnerships, and advancing more social contributions.” 
Phu Bia Mining Chairman, Mr Chanpheng Bounnaphol, offered his congratulations and thanks to the Government and people of Laos, saying “On behalf of Phu Bia Mining’s Board of Directors, I would like to thank the Government of Laos and our local communities for their prosperous relationship.”
“I would also like to thank Phu Bia Mining’s past and present employees who have collectively worked towards operational excellence at Ban Houayxai,” he added.
Since the Operation’s official opening in April 2012, more than 1 million ounces (over 2.8 tonnes) of gold and 8 million ounces (nearly 230 tonnes) of silver have been produced.
The Operation received the 2013 'Project Development of the Year Award' at the Mines and Money Asia Mining Awards ceremony in Hong Kong for Operation construction and development.
In 2013, the Ban Houayxai mobile and fixed plant maintenance warehouse facilities received the Caterpillar five-star contamination control rating and was one of only six worldwide and the first awarded in a developing country. 
Over a decade, the facilities have maintained the five-star rating for nine consecutive years.
The Ban Houayxai Gold-Silver operation's total recordable injury frequency rate and lost time injury frequency rate continue to be significantly better than industry averages.
The project received pre-operation certification for cyanide management in 2012 for its full compliance with the International Cyanide Code, a voluntary programme to manage the use of cyanide in the Operation's production circuit. 
The Operation received full certification in 2013, was recertified in 2016 and assessed in 2019. In 2022, a recertification process was completed.
Since its commencement, the Ban Houayxai Gold-Silver Operation has created more than 1,000 jobs for Lao-national employees. Over 90 percent of the Operation's employees are Lao nationals and more than 97 community development projects have been implemented and completed in Naxaysavang village in Longcheng district, Xaysomboun province.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update February 15, 2023)