Grand Opening of the Far Western Project: A New Era in Mining at Sepon

Lane Xang Minerals Limited Company (LXML) proudly celebrated the opening of the Far Western Project (FWP) on September 7 in Sepon, Savannakhet province, marking a significant milestone in the development of sustainable mining practices at Sepon Gold-Copper mines in Laos.
The event took place at one of the four optimised gold pits of the Far West Project.

The event was attended by the Chairman of Chifeng Gold, the parent company of LXML, Mr Wang Jianhua; and top executives including CEO Mrs Lydia Yang; Co-Chairman, Mr Xiaozhao Lyu; Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Mr Jingwen Mao; CFO Mr Mario Wong; and the Secretary of the Board of Directors, Mr Shubao Dong.
LXML’s management team, led by LXML President Mr Gao Bo; LXML Acting General Manager Mr Jeremy Davidson; Director Mr Zhou Xinbing; and Vice GM Mr Saman Aneka; LXML Managing Director and Vice General Managers, alongside key department managers, representatives, employees and management of the contractor company were also present.
In his speech, Chairman Wang highlighted the achievements and collaboration that made the Far Western Project a reality.
He reflected on his previous discussions with the Lao Prime Minister regarding the bright prospects of the Sepon Project and Chifeng Gold’s commitment to investing in the region.
He acknowledged the challenges faced when acquiring the Sepon Project, which had been inactive since mid-2013. Under the stewardship of Chifeng Gold, exploration activities resumed, ultimately leading to the reopening of the Sepon low-grade gold mine.
Chairman Wang emphasised the Far Western Project’s potential to deliver significant benefits to various stakeholders including local communities, employees, contractors, service providers, businesses, and the government of Laos.
“The readiness of our mining workforce, heavy equipment, and state-of-the-art machinery is a testament to our commitment to responsible mining practices,” he said.
The Far Western Project is poised to provide substantial benefits to local communities, reducing unemployment and enhancing economic growth through job creation and opportunities for local businesses.
LXML has demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility with various contributions to the surrounding communities, including the establishment of gravity water drainage systems at Ban Mai, valued at over US$7,000, and latrines for disadvantaged families at a cost of US$60,000.

Additional investments included the renovation of village offices and school buildings, totalling more than US$78,000, supporting the development of essential infrastructure. Furthermore, LXML has compensated for the FWP area of the tenement at 13,088 hectares, totalling more than US$13 million.
LXML has also supported the FADG and Sepon Community Trust Fund programme to enhance the livelihoods of disadvantaged households within the FWP and neighbouring communities.
Chifeng Gold’s CEO Mrs Lydia Yang expressed her enthusiasm for the successful commencement of the FWP and committed to conducting effective mining operations that prioritise sustainability and local community development.
The CEO emphasised the need to prioritise community engagement and environmental sustainability.
“We are excited about the future of the Far Western Project and the numerous opportunities it will create for local residents and stakeholders, fostering a prosperous and sustainable future for all involved,” she said.
LXML strongly recognises and much appreciates the support from the Governor of Vilabouly district and local village authorities, which facilitated the longstanding and complex process of land compensation. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to building a transparent and mutually beneficial relationship with the local community.
As the Far Western Project moves into the next phase, LXML looks forward to reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable mining while uplifting the livelihoods of the local population and contributing to the continued economic development of Savannakhet province. 

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update September 11, 2024)