On 18 August 2022, Lane Xang Minerals Limited (LXML), and Lao German Technical College (LGTC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to provide technical scholarships for communities in Vilabouly District near Sepon mine.

Apprentices selected for the program will receive vocational training in electrical, mechanical, fabrication, crane operations, automotive, and auto-electrical trades.

The program will continue from 2022 until 2026. Between 2015 and 2018, eighteen Lao apprentices completed a five-year Australian Certificate III Trade qualification and a Lao Diploma of Technical Training.  The graduates received valuable skills to contribute to the development of the Lao PDR.

Mr Saman Aneka, LXML Managing Director, signed the MoU with Mr Khamsavay Yommilavong, Director of Lao-German Technical College. Mr Nouphan Oudsa, Director General of Vocational Education Department, Ministry of Education and Sports was also present at the important events.

“I’m proud of LXML’s contribution to training and development to build better livelihoods for future generations” said Mr Aneka “The skills and experience gained by participants will contribute to Sepon’s operations and to the Lao PDR.”

Since operations commenced in 2003, LXML has invested millions of dollars in training, scholarships, apprentices, traineeship, and internships. More than 105 Lao participants graduated from the apprenticeship program, and 36 professionals graduated from overseas higher education scholarships.

Up to June 2022, LXML has provided 23,000 training hours to Lao employees through internal, external, on-the-job training, and overseas study. In the second half of 2022, LXML will reinstate its popular Supervisor and Leadership Development programs to support the next generation Lao mining professionals.

Lane Xang Minerals Limited is the only mining operation in the Lao PDR consistently rated A+ by the Ministry of Energy and Mines for its commitment to social and economic development, health and safety, environmental protection, and maintaining international standards.

Since production commenced in 2003, Sepon Mine contributed over US$1.6 billion in taxes, royalties, and dividends, in addition to hundreds of millions of dollars in employment, training, community and local business development. The mine employs approximately 5,000 local people.