MMG Lane Xang Minerals Ltd (LXML) Sepon was awarded runner-up for Best Mineral Processing Operation in the first ASEAN Minerals Awards. The award recognises ASEAN mining firms for responsible and environmental friendly mining practices. 

The cell room at the Sepon operations.

The award was presented in Myanmar by Lao PDR vice minister of Energy and Mines HE Mr Thongphat Inthavong.

MMG LXML Sepon was among 50 mining companies involved in mining, processing and distribution of mineral products in the ASEAN region, and the only company from Lao PDR among the eight finalists.

The award particularly recognises contributions to community development, human resource development, productivity, and measures to address health, safety and environmental performance.

MMG LXML Sepon managing director and manager stakeholder relations Saman Aneka said, “I am honoured that LXML was acknowledged as best practice for minerals processing across ASEAN and particularly in Lao PDR.

“This award reflects how ‘we mine for progress’. It highlights our commitment to developing our people and the value we deliver to shareholders with the strong support of the Government of Lao PDR.”

Since operations commenced in 2002, LXML has contributed US$1.4 billion in direct revenue to the Lao PDR in taxes, royalties and dividends.

Copper cathode produced at MMG’s Sepon project

It has invested more than $17 million in environmental management, rehabilitation, and monitoring activities; generated around $26 million in community incomes from local businesses; funded more than $10 million in development projects; invested $46 million in road and electricity infrastructures; and $48 million in UXO clearance.

The best practice award recognised a range of operations across ASEAN, including nickel laterite in the Philippines (Rio Tuba), gold mining in Indonesia (PT Nusa Halmahera) and limestone quarrying in Thailand (Siam Cement); processing of ferronickel in Indonesia (PT Antam), gold ore in the Philippines (OceanaGold) and production of copper cathodes in Lao PDR (MMG LXML Sepon).

MMG LXML, in cooperation with the Lao Government, is also preserving Lao cultural heritage and history in Vilabouly district.

In October, district chief Khamphoui Sibounheuang presided over an opening ceremony for a $53,000 extension to the existing cultural centre, funded by LXML.

The renovated centre provides additional space to display heritage items including historical artefacts found in Vilabouly during mining operations.