LXML supports 3,000 years of Lao history and heritage through a unique partnership with the Department of Heritage of the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, the National University of Laos, and James Cook University of Australia. The team discovered artefacts and heritage sites in and around Sepon mine. A recent finding dated over 3,000 years ago has shown us how ancient mining was practiced in this area.
In March 2018, archaeologists discovered evidence of more than 100 ancient mining shafts. Other recent findings include tools used in early mining that have been carbon dated to approximately 3,000 years ago. Vilabouly is one of the first mining and metallurgy sites in Southeast Asia. These dates have been confirmed from examination of bamboo matting found in the ancient mine-shaft support structures preserved in wet clay below the surface (10 to 40 meters deep).
“Excavations have uncovered a rich history of mining and settlement showing how communities refined and exchanged minerals and metals for thousands of years” said LXML Vice General Manager, Mr Saman Aneka.
During the excavation process, teams found mining equipment such as wooden ladders, pulleys, mallets, painted bamboo baskets, and rope made from lianas, as well as weapons, jewelry and ancient pottery. Many of these items are on display in the Vilabouly Cultural Hall. Other important heritage findings include a large “Dong Son” bronze era drum on display at the National Museum in Vientiane.