VIENTIANE : A newly discovered underground gold mine that has just begun operations will significantly bolster mineral production by Lane Xang Minerals Limited (LXML) and bring economic and social benefits to the country.

With resources of 9.5 million tonnes and ore production projected to increase from 400,000 tonnes in 2023 to 1.2 million tonnes per annum thereafter, the “Discovery Deeps Underground Mine” is expected to extend Sepon’s mine life by at least seven years to 2030, LXML, a leading mineral producer in Laos, said in a statement.

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines and the Chair of the Sepon Project Management Committee, Thongphat Inthavong, and other government stakeholders visited the LXML Sepon mine in Savannakhet province on Monday (May 16) to open what the company claimed is the first modern underground mine in Laos.

The discovery and expected increase in production will contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable development in host communities, according to LXML.

“This new development will use modern underground mining equipment, and advanced mining techniques, to transfer knowledge and skills to Lao employees and contractors - Lao mining professionals - to set new standards for underground mining,” said the LXML General Manager, Paul Harris.

  - ANN