Phu Bia Mining produces more than one million tons of copper in concentrate

Phu Bia Mining (PBM), a leading mining company in Laos, this month reached a significant milestone at its Phu Kham Copper-Gold Operation – the production of one million tonnes of copper concentrate.
The Phu Kham Copper-Gold Operation began mining copper 16 years ago. The operation adheres to international standards across every department. The workforce, comprising 93 percent Lao national employees, has contributed their hard work and dedication to ensure the safe, efficient and innovative operation of the mine.

The Phu Kham Copper-Gold Operation in Xaysomboun prrovince.

The monumental achievement of producing one million tonnes of copper required more than 135,000 working hours from the Operation’s teams, with more than 800 million tonnes of material mined from the Operation’s open pit, and approximately 65 million tonnes of ore processed at its processing plant.
Copper is an incredibly versatile metal with a wide range of uses due to its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and ability to be alloyed with other metals.
Among its multiple uses, the rapidly growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) require a significant amount of copper due to the metal’s essential role in electrical components. A battery-powered EV typically contains more than 80kg of copper. This is much more than conventional petrol-powered cars, which contain between 8 and 22kg of copper. The increase in copper usage is due to the electric motor, batteries, inverters and wiring that are crucial for EVs. For larger vehicles like electric buses, the amount can reach more than 350kg of copper.
Copper’s superior electrical conductivity, cost-effectiveness, and durability make it an indispensable component of electric vehicles. Copper is also used in the manufacturing of electrical wiring because of its excellent electricity conductivity.
The presence of the Phu Kham mine in Xaysomboun province has created enduring benefits for local communities and national and provincial governments.
PBM’s 2022 household socio-economic survey conducted in the local communities of Ban Nam Mo, Nam Gnone and Nasaysavang found marked improvements in education, infrastructure, community health, agriculture, and small business development.
In addition, the literacy rates in the three villages have increased to 90 percent, well above the national literacy rate.
Since the opening of Phu Kham, the three villages now have access to nurses and doctors at the Company’s funded healthcare centres.
Phu Bia Mining local ethnic employees make up a significant percentage of the 93 percent Lao-national employees and contribute close to 50 percent of the village’s overall income. Local businesses selling vegetables, eggs, cloth bags, fruit and fish to PBM’s Operations have generated more than US$4.5 million for the local population.
The Company’s US$1 billion direct payments through royalties, profit tax, salary tax, road tax, import service fees, concession fees, sponsorship and dividends have assisted in the development of Xaysomboun province and the Lao economy.
PanAust Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr Daling Zheng spoke proudly about Phu Kham’s production milestone. Mr Zheng said: “Phu Kham is PanAust’s flagship Operation and plays a significant part in our business growth in Laos.” 
“Commencing in 2008, PanAust, through Phu Bia Mining, has undertaken major infrastructure works to enable pit expansion and extended the life of the Phu Kham mine. Our drilling and exploration programmes will continue to look for more ore in our surrounding contract area. This will provide direct, long term benefits for the country and the people of Laos.”
Phu Bia Mining Chairman Mr Chanpheng Bounnaphol added: “We set our annual target to find more ore for delivery to Phu Kham’s processing plant. At the current global copper price, our parent company PanAust is financially ready to drive more investments in Phu Kham and export more copper from Laos to international metal markets.”

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update March 29, 2024)