Mr Thongpat Inthavong (left) and Mr Gao Bo address the meeting.

Lane Xang Minerals, govt review mining operations, shape future plans

Lane Xang Minerals Limited Company (LXML) on July 31 convened its 30th annual meeting with the Government Management Committee for the Sepon Gold-Copper Mine Project to update the company’s mining operation work progress and plan for the Sepon Project’s growth in the years to come.
The meeting brought together representatives from the relevant ministries, Savannakhet province, and Vilabouly district.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines and Chairman of the Government Management Committee for the Sepon Gold-Copper Mine, Mr Thongpat Inthavong, and the President of LXML, Mr Gao Bo, co-chaired the meeting.
Participants included representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office; Director Generals; Deputy Directors of relevant departments; Governor of Vilabouly district, Mr Valiya Sichanthongthip; government technical staff, and the Company leaders team including LXML Managing Director, Mr Saman Aneka; Vice President of LXML, Mr Zhou Xinbing; LXML General Manager, Mr Jeremy Davidson; and LXML technical staff.
Participants discussed ways to foster the best collaborative working relationship between the government and LXML, ensuring mutual understanding and increased efficiency in their cooperative efforts.
In his opening speech, Mr Thongpat greatly acknowledged the significant contribution from LXML to the socio-economic development of Laos.
The deputy minister emphasised the company’s role in the development of local communities around the Sepon gold-copper mine.
He urged both the company and the relevant government departments to diligently implement the MEPA agreement in a collaborative and effective manner. He also encouraged LXML to maintain its proactive approach, striving for excellence in mining operations and ensuring community livelihoods and safety.
Mr Thongphat strongly acknowledges LXML as the ‘Best Performing Mining in Laos’.

Caption: Participants gather for a group photo.

Mr Gao Bo expressed sincere appreciation to the government for recognising the company’s performance and its invaluable contributions to the economic and social development of Laos.

He reiterated LXML’s commitment to enhancing the quality of development at Sepon through improved efficiency that yields profits for the government, LXML, and stakeholders.
The LXML President acknowledged the importance of the close partnership with the government, which has been vital for the sustainable development of LXML and the Sepon project, while also benefiting local communities.
He added “In 2023, LXML implemented exchange rate subsidies for all Lao employees, leading to an average salary increase of over 40 percent to help mitigate the impacts of exchange rate fluctuations.”
“The company paid US$28 million in corporate income tax, US$22 million in royalties, and allocated US$1 million to a community development fund, in addition to investing US$230,000 in community infrastructure. To enhance the longevity of the mine while benefiting local communities, LXML invested US$11 million in technological innovations and exploration efforts, resulting in a significant increase in gold resources, which extended the mine’s lifespan.”
The meeting also included a comprehensive report on the company’s activities during 2023, presented by Mr Saman.
His report highlighted LXML’s great contributions to community development including food security through agriculture, education for the next generation, community health care, and infrastructure within communities surrounding the Sepon Mine.
Additionally, Mr Davidson presented an overview of the company’s production and operations over the past year, as well as plans for the upcoming year, noting the desire to identify more gold mineral potential areas for Sepon growth and the long life of mine.

LXML remains committed to the development of local talent, prioritising the cultivation of Lao nationals in management roles and offering extensive training opportunities across various disciplines.
Currently, LXML employs approximately 3,860 individuals, with 95 percent being Lao nationals, over 25 percent of whom are women, and 63 percent residing in the vicinity of the Sepon project. Notably, 97 percent of supervisory positions and 60 percent of superintendent positions are held by Lao personnel.
LXML is dedicated to continuing its mission of developing high-level mining talents in Laos.
The meeting concluded with a productive exchange of opinions and a key question-and-answer session, fostering open dialogue on various issues, and collaboratively seeking solutions.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update August 2, 2024)