Lane Xang Minerals Limited (LXML) Sepon Mine in Savannakhet Province has announced it produced more than 6.7 tonnes of gold and 6,600 tonnes of copper in 2022.
The mine, owned and operated by Chifeng Gold, says its planned production for 2023 is over 6 tonnes of gold and 7 tonnes of copper, supporting export revenue and socio-economic development in Laos.
Since operations commenced in 2003, LXML has contributed over USD 1.6 billion to the Lao Government in direct revenue through taxes, royalties, and dividends, in addition to hundreds of millions of dollars in employment, training, community, and local business development.
In 2022 LXML opened the first modern underground mine in Laos at Sepon, setting the standard for other mining operations, and extending the life of the mine to at least 2033.
Since 2016, LXML has consistently achieved an A+ rating from the Ministry of Energy and Mines for maintaining environmental and community development standards.
LXML has achieved positive community development outcomes over twenty years of operations in partnership with the Lao Government and host communities, resulting in Vilabouly District’s removal from the list of poorest districts in 2015.
LXML procures USD 3 million (75 percent of fruits, vegetables, and local produce) through local businesses – a combined income of over USD 50 million – creating important income opportunities.
Our community programs focus on health, education, food security, and livelihoods, including support for disadvantaged communities. We continue to engage cooperatively and consult local communities and other partners on development priorities.
In April 2022, LXML donated USD 5 million to Savannakhet Province to upgrade Road 28A, a 41.56 km bitumen road from Nabor to Vilabouly District, providing better access to markets for more than 40,000 people. Road 28A is an important link in the ‘East-West’ growth corridor, connecting Laos with Vietnam and Thailand.
LXML has invested approximately USD 34 million in infrastructure to extend the national energy grid from Thakhek to Maxahay in cooperation with Electricite Du Laos (EDL), extending economic opportunities to rural communities.
