Representatives from the National University of Laos, the Xaisomboun provincial departments of Agriculture and Forestry, Energy and Mines and the national department of Agriculture and Forestry at Phu Kham’s Processing Plant.

Phu Bia Mining shares community development best practices with state authorities

Phu Bia Mining (PBM) recently hosted a two-day visit for national and provincial government representatives to showcase its Community Development and Sustainable Livelihoods Programmes and share best practices the company is known for.
The event, held from November 19 to 21, included five instructors and professors from the National University of Laos, officials from the Xaysomboun provincial departments of Agriculture and Forestry, Energy and Mines, and the Anouvong district Agriculture and Forestry office.


National and provincial government visitors at one of Phu Bia Mining’s Sustainable Livelihoods Program areas.

The visit commenced with a warm welcome from PBM’s Livelihoods Manager, Mr Lone Phonephakdy, who guided the visitors to the Phu Kham Copper-Gold Operation.
Attendees viewed a video presentation detailing how PBM, an industry-leading mining company in the region, operates across all aspects of the process and the company’s long-term commitment to Laos, particularly how it supports and assists local communities. Mr Lone highlighted the company’s investment of US$5.8 million in 460 community development projects between 2005 and 2023 at PKM and BHX operations. These projects aim to create and improve platforms for sustaining local livelihoods and economies and helping to reduce poverty within PBM’s host communities in Xaysomboun province.
The visitors toured various facilities, including the state-of-the-art mine control room, processing plant, and open pit. They also visited sustainable livelihoods project sites where irrigation systems, cattle fattening initiatives, and vegetable farms are being developed. The session concluded with an open discussion, allowing government representatives to engage with PBM staff on best practices for community development.

Feedback from the visitors was positive, with many offering support for PBM’s world-class operations and its key contributions to improving living standards in local communities in the province. PanAust Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Daling Zheng, spoke about how PBM ensures continuing community development and sustainable livelihood programmes for local communities close to its operations in Laos.
“Our Community Development and Sustainable Livelihoods Programmes are managed in partnership with local communities and closely coordinated with the Xaysomboun Provincial Government. We hold regular consultations with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the benefits of our programmes continue to be sustainable and leave a positive legacy for the future,” he said.
“The visit enables the national and provincial Government representatives to see first-hand how we continue the United Nations model for Sustainable Development Goals to reduce poverty, support economic progress and promote regular income for local communities.”
PBM Chairman, Mr Chanpheng Bounnaphol, said, “We are proud to see that our Community Development and Sustainable Livelihoods Programmes play a significant part in uplifting education and health, spreading skills and knowledge for local communities. Local communities also receive better community infrastructure, build their small business and gain important access to finance and markets across the country.”

By Advertorail Desk
 (Latest Update December 3, 2024)