Lane Xang Minerals Limited Company (LXML) held a meeting to summarize the implementation of the Community Trust Fund for 2024 and to present the draft development plan for 2025 in Vilabouly District, Savannakhet Province. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Valiya Sichanthongthip, Governor of Vilabouly District and Chairman of the Community Trust Fund Committee, with the honorary co-chaired by Mr. Saman Aneka, Managing Director of LXML and Co-Chairman of the Community Trust Fund, supported by LXML. The meeting was attended by Mr. Bounlouan Leexayalath, Head of the Energy and Mines Department of Savannakhet Province, technical staff from the Planning and Investment Department of the province, fund management committee members from the district, heads of district offices, presidents of the Lao Front for National Development, presidents of the district youth union of Vilabouly, representatives from mass organizations, senior provincial and local officials, and senior advisors from LXML.

During the meeting, discussions focused on reviewing the implementation of key community development projects over the past year and planning the fund’s projects for 2025, with a total budget allocation of US$750,000. The fund's main objective is to support the host communities of the Sepon Gold-Copper Mine Project, aiming to improve the quality of life of local residents. The focus is on three main pillars: food security through agriculture and livestock, educational support (scholarships, various training programs), and health improvement in the community. Additionally, the meeting emphasized the importance of strategic planning, transparent financial management, and creating sustainable benefits for the host communities, ensuring effective community participation in the development process.

Mr. Valiya Sichanthongthip expressed his gratitude and appreciation to LXML for their continuous support of local community development, which contributed to the well-being and prosperity of Vilabouly. He highlighted the positive impact of the Local Development Fund projects and stressed the importance of good cooperation and ongoing support between LXML, local authorities, and the community.

Mr. Saman Aneka, Managing Director of LXML, reiterated the company’s commitment to creating positive impacts for the community, emphasizing the importance of sustainable community development and the company’s continuous efforts to support the local population. He noted that the company’s community development work aligns with national agendas and the Lao government’s nationwide socio-economic development plans to eradicate poverty. Therefore, the company’s hard work in community development is seen as a contribution to alleviating poverty in collaboration with the Lao government.

Several community development projects under the Community Trust Fund in 2024 were completed and achieved satisfactory results, with an estimated 90% success rate. Infrastructure development in various sectors has improved, directly and indirectly benefiting the community, and enhancing their living conditions. Additionally, the community has gained employment opportunities with the company and various contractors, providing a stable income for families, and enabling them to build standard homes and acquire necessary vehicles, thereby improving their overall quality of life.

The LXML Community Trust Fund has provided significant benefits to the local community living around the Sepon Gold-Copper Mine Project for two decades. The funding has increased annually from US$96,000 in 2004 and lifted to US$750,000 per year from 2014 onward and will continue until the end of the mining project.