Dr Viengthong Siphandone and her delegation and Phu Bia Mining’s representatives at the Phu Kham Copper-Gold Operation.

Phu Bia Mining welcomes Vice President to its operations

Phu Bia Mining (PBM) welcomed the Vice President of Laos, Dr Viengthong Siphandone,  and her high-level delegation on August 17 and 20 for the first visit by the country’s highest leadership to two of its company operations.
The visit commenced with a 20-minute video presentation showcasing PBM’s world-class, internationally best-practice operations.
PBM Managing Director David Reid then guided the Vice President and delegates through the Ban Houayxai Gold-Silver Operation’s state-of-the-art control room, gold pour room, and mining and processing processes. At the Phu Kham Copper-Gold Operation, the Vice President and the delegation learned first-hand about the operation’s Process Plant, its internationally modelled open-pit, and training centre.

Dr Viengthong Siphandone meets with Phu Bia Mining’s representatives.

The Vice President praised PBM’s international best-practice programmes in environmental (land, water, vegetation) rehabilitation and management, workforce health and safety, and human resources training and development for Lao national employees, as well as the Company’s social and economic contributions to local communities.
The Vice President, who is also a Member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, extended guidance and direction on foreign investment opportunities for Laos’ mining industry.
Mr David Reid expressed thanks for the visit and the company’s strong relationship with the Lao government.
“We are deeply honoured to welcome the Vice President of the Lao PDR and the high-level delegation from the National and Xaysomboun Provincial Government. This is the first visit led by the highest level of the Lao PDR leadership to our operations,” he said.
Since commencing operations in 2008, PBM has contributed more than US$1.25 billion in taxes, royalties and dividends, while generating an additional US$3.8 billion through local procurement and other indirect economic contributions, the director said.
PBM currently employs more than 3,600 people, with Lao nationals accounting for more than 93 percent of the company’s workforce.
“We remain committed to developing local talent, creating long-term employment opportunities, and strengthening the mining sector through skills development and knowledge transfer,” Mr Reid said.
The Vice President and her delegates were very impressed with the company’s achievements and how its operations have contributed to the country and the people of Laos.
 “We are confident that this visit will positively inform discussions and coordination at the national and provincial government levels as we continue to invest in multiple growth projects,” Mr Reid concluded.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update September 1, 2026)