On May 16, the groundbreaking ceremony of the new underground mine in Savannakhet, Laos The newly discovered underground gold mine in Laos has just started operations and is expected to significantly boost the country’s mineral production and bring economic and social benefits, Lane Xang Minerals Limited (LXML), a leading Lao mine producer and operator, said in a statement. . At the opening ceremony on May 16. The Discovery Deeps Underground Mine has a resource of 9.5 million tonnes and ore production is expected to increase from 400,000 tonnes in 2023 to 1.2 million tonnes per year.
The newly discovered underground gold mine in Laos has just started operations and is expected to significantly boost the country’s mineral production and bring economic and social benefits, Lane Xang Minerals Limited (LXML), a leading Lao mine producer and operator, said in a statement. . At the opening ceremony on May 16.
“Discovery Deeps Underground Mine” has a resource of 9.5 million tons and is expected to increase ore production from 400,000 tons in 2023 to 1.2 million tons per year and is part of the Sepon Mine, one of the largest open-pit gold and copper mines in the world One, located in Savannakhet Province, Laos. Sepon’s mine life is expected to be extended by at least seven years by 2030, LXML said.
Production to start in the second half of 2023
Sepon’s underground exploration and development will continue through 2023, with production from the underground mine commencing in the second half of 2023. The underground mine will extend to 450 meters below the surface, and the descending channel will be more than 1,800 meters long, which will be 5 meters in width and height to accommodate modern underground excavation and drilling equipment, the operator said.
“This new development will use modern underground mining equipment and advanced mining technology to impart knowledge and skills to Lao employees and contractors and set new standards for underground mining,” noted LXML General Manager Paul Harris.
Contributing to poverty reduction through community development
He added that the discovery and the expected increase in production will contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable development in host communities.
LXML has been operating the Sepon mine since 2003. Over the past two decades, the company has contributed more than $1.6 billion in direct revenue to the Lao government through taxes and royalties, as well as “hundreds of millions of dollars” in indirect benefits through community development, employment and more. and training, it noted.
The miner is 90% owned by Chifeng Jilong Gold Mine in China and the Lao government ten percent.
