On 30 November 2017, MMG Lane Xang Minerals Ltd (LXML) Sepon was awarded runner up for Best Mineral Processing Operation in the 1st ASEAN Minerals Awards. The award recognises the best mining firms across ASEAN for responsible and environmental friendly mining practices. The award was presented in Myanmar by HE Mr Thongphat Inthavong, Vice Minister of Energy and Mines of Lao PDR.
MMG LXML Sepon was among fifty mining companies involved in mining, processing and distribution of mineral products in the ASEAN region, and the only company from Lao PDR to have topped the eight finalists.
“This award will foster best practice, higher standards and continuous improvement in the minerals industry of the Lao PDR,” saidHE Mr Thongphat Inthavong, Vice Minister of Energy and Mines of Lao PDR.
The award particularly recognises contributions to community development, human resource development, productivity, and measures to address health, safety and environmental performance.
“I am honoured that LXML was acknowledged as best practice for minerals processing across ASEAN and particularly in Lao PDR” said Mr Saman Aneka, MMG LXML Sepon Managing Director and Manager Stakeholder Relations. “This prestigious award reflects how ‘we mine for progress.’ It highlights our commitment to developing our people and the value we deliver to our 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. LXML has invested more than US$17 million in environmental management, rehabilitation, and monitoring activities; generated around US$26 million in community incomes from local businesses; funded more than US$10 million in development projects; invested US$46 million in national road and electricity infrastructures; and US$48 million in UXO clearance, making communities safer.
The best practice award recognized 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 (Oceana Gold) and production of copper cathodes in Lao PDR (MMG LXML Sepon).
Image: HE Mr Thongphat Inthavong, Vice Minister of Energy and Mines of Lao PDR handed the certificate to first runner-up winner for Best Practice in Minerals Processing, MMG LXML Sepon, represented by Mr Chanthone Naovalath, LXML Deputy Director and Superintendent Government Relations and Mr Khonesavanh Vansana, LXML Processing Superintendent.