Dr Sonexay Siphandone strikes a gong to open the Laos-International Precious Metals Refinery (LIPMER) in Vientiane.

Laos launches precious metals refinery, processing 150 tonnes of gold annually for trade on global market

The Laos-International Precious Metals Refinery (LIPMER) has become officially operational, marking a milestone in the country’s ambition to enter the global precious metals market.
The opening ceremony on Friday was attended by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr

Dr Chanthone Sitthixay congratulates the official opening of the Laos-International Precious Metals Refinery (LIPMER).

Mr Malaythong Kommasith addresses the Laos-International Precious Metals Refinery (LIPMER) official opening ceremony.

Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Minister of Industry and Commerce Mr Malaythong Kommasith, representatives of the National Assembly, the Bank of the Lao PDR, senior government officials, industry and business leaders, and representatives from domestic and international sectors.
The Laos-International Precious Metals Refinery is an important step towards the success of the National Socio-economic Development Plan by providing Laos with its own refinery, which meets international standards, the Chairman and founder of PTL Holding Co., Ltd., Dr Chanthone Sitthixay, said.
The facility will play a major role in developing and upgrading the minerals industry in Laos, especially gold, which is a rich natural resource with great potential for the country, serving to create a full and independent value-added surplus, he said.
The refinery is more than just a general industrial and commercial facility; it is another commitment to creating and developing a complete gold industry “ecosystem” and strong economic development for Laos.

Delegations from the government, managers of the LIPMER and business partners join in congratulations after cutting a ribbon to open the refinery in Vientiane.

For the past 10 years, Laos has sent raw gold ore to be refined in other countries, resulting in the loss of financial gains and other benefits that Laos could have enjoyed, Dr Chanthone said.
Starting today, the Lao-International Precious Metals Refinery will fulfill its mission to contribute to the nation by refining raw gold ore mined from both domestic and foreign sources, he added.
The mineral industry has the potential to generate huge benefits for Laos and spur its journey to becoming a leading sector of the economy.
Dr Chanthone said the refinery will serve to upgrade the quality of Lao gold, converting it from its raw unprocessed state to a stable, sustainable and strong national asset so that gold reserves are on hand to help balance fluctuations in the global economy.
The opening of the LIPMER demonstrates the strong commitment and determination to respond to the Party and government’s wise policies in keeping with the current situation, he said.
The refinery is equipped with modern, safe, high-precision and environmentally friendly analytical laboratories and automated machinery, ensuring clean production methods.
The facility has a production and refining capacity of up to 150 tonnes of gold a year and can refine gold to a purity of at least 99.99 percent. This is a standard that is accepted worldwide, and gold of this quality can be traded on the global market.
The plant can refine gold to a purity of at least 99.99% and 99.999 percent, which is a globally accepted standard.
The Lao-International LIPMER Precious Metals Refinery is the first and only gold refining industrial plant in Laos to meet international standards, raising the quality of Lao gold to match that of gold produced in other countries, Dr Chanthone said.
The facility enables Laos to refine gold ore independently, adding value to the raw product in-country. This is an important step on the journey to building an “independent and self-reliant economy” as targeted by the Lao Party and government.
Creating a strong macro-economy is a top priority for Laos and the new refinery is part of the core infrastructure, which will work in tandem with the Lao Bullion Bank as a single ecosystem.
The overall aim is to strengthen national reserves by making Lao gold a solid collateral asset, helping to stabilise the value of the kip, increase liquidity, raise funds, and create a financial bulwark for Laos so the country is protected against global economic fluctuations.
The refinery will enable Laos to become a major player in the global gold industry by refining gold ore to standards that are accepted and competitive on the world market, Dr Chanthone said.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update March 30, 2026)