Mr Vanxay Phongsavanh (centre) chairs a national meeting last Thursday to review mineral inspections and efforts to tackle illegal mining and natural resource management problems.  –Photo Inspection Magazine

77kg of raw gold seized as govt steps up crackdown on illegal mining

A national task force has seized 77kg of raw gold and detained 118 workers during inspections targeting illegal mining operations across eight provinces, as the government steps up its crackdown on unlawful mining activities.
The matter topped the agenda at a national inspection meeting held on October 29, the Inspection Magazine reported.
According to the task force’s report, inspectors examined 23 mining sites and uncovered violations involving 18 companies and individuals.
The inspections resulted in the detention of 118 Lao and foreign employees and the seizure of 38 excavators, 20 dredging boats, two loaders, one dump truck, gold-sifting equipment, water pumps and other machinery.
The report also confirmed the confiscation of 77kg of raw gold, but did not specify from where the gold was impounded or its value.
The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the Inspection Committee of the Party Central Committee, President of the State Inspection Authority and Head of the Central Anti-Corruption Organisation, Mr Vanxay Phongsavanh.
Mr Vanxay expressed concern about the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, particularly alluvial gold extraction in rivers and streams.
He said some individuals and businesses had severely damaged the natural environment, prompting the Party and government to strengthen inspections and issue stricter orders to provincial administrations.
Illegal gold mining along waterways can damage riverbanks, pollute water and destroy aquatic habitats, threatening natural resources and the communities that depend on them.
The government has already introduced measures to address the problem. A Prime Minister’s Order issued on March 7, 2025, stopped the issuance of permits for alluvial gold extraction and called for stronger inspections and environmental rehabilitation.
The crackdown is part of wider government efforts to strengthen control over the mineral sector and ensure that Laos’ natural resources generate greater economic benefits.
Speaking at the National Assembly in October, Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith said the government had intensified efforts to curb illegal mining operations.
“We have stepped up efforts to combat and prevent the illegal mining, processing, buying and selling, and import and export of minerals and mineral products that violate laws and regulations across the country,” he said.
The Prime Minister said Order No. 46/PM, dated April 13, 2026, had been issued and a committee appointed to monitor compliance.
He also outlined plans to increase domestic mineral processing. Under the proposed policy, new mining projects would be approved only for investors with existing finished-product processing plants or plans to build them, aiming to gradually end exports of raw ore and ore concentrate.
At last week’s meeting, Mr Vanxay urged provincial leaders to take greater responsibility for preventing illegal mining, identifying unresolved problems and ensuring compliance with government orders.
Provincial inspection committees reported on their efforts to strengthen mineral management and address violations involving natural resources.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update October 31, 2026)