Sepon mine provides major local boost
Sepon mine provides major local boost
MMG LXML's Sepon gold and copper mine has increased the average household income in Vilabouly district, Savannakhet province, 13-fold over the last decade, according to the Minister of Energy and Mines.
Mr Soulivong Daravong spoke at the mine's 10th anniversary celebrations in Vientiane on Monday night.
He said the gold and copper project had made significant contributions to the development of local infrastructure, creating jobs and improving vocational skills among the local community.
MMG LXML Sepon Director, Mr Saman Aneka, said annual income per capita around the site increased from US$50 in 2000 to US$600 in 2013.
“Back in the year 2000, villagers living around the mine site earned only US$45 to US$50 per year. Almost all of the residents were rice farmers and many villagers lived in wooden houses with thatch roofs,” he said.
When the company began work on the mine in 2001 it invested more than US$40 million on infrastructure in the area, providing access to clean water, better education, healthcare centres, electricity and other facilities.
“About 60 percent of local people are employed by the company, while the rest are benefiting from the vocational training centre run by the company,” Mr Saman said.
“Villagers have been trained to be skilled in producing commercial products.”
Livestock breeding, tailoring, textile weaving and the creation of small businesses have earned about US$12 million for the area over the last 10 years.
MMG Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andrew Michelmore, said Sepon was building the next generation of Lao mining professionals, while thousands of people had learnt trades and other skills.
“These skills are transferable and will assist in the future development of the country,” he said.
The Sepon mine has invested more than US$14 million in community development, the health sector, local business development, training and cultural heritage over the past decade. It has generated more than US$1 billion in direct revenue for Laos in royalties and taxes.
Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad was present at the event along with other senior officials, the Savannakhet provincial governor and Vilabouly district authority representatives.
vientiane times
