On 17 October, PanAust’s Lao-registered company, Phu Bia Mining (PBM), hosted a meeting with the central and provincial Governments of Laos in Vientiane focused on matters of common interest.

The Lao Vice Minister of Energy and Mines, Mr Thongphat Inthavong chaired the meeting, attended by high-level Government officials including the Xaisomboun Provincial Vice Governor, Mr Vongsone Inpanhphim and Xieng Khouang Provincial Vice Governor, Mr Sivilay Sengchalern.

Thirty-four Government officials attended from the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ministries of Planning and Investment, Energy and Mines, Finance, Natural Resources and Environment, Public Works and Transport, National Defence and the Xaisomboun and Xieng Khouang Provincial Governments.

Phu Bia Mining’s Chairman, Mr Chanpheng Bounnaphol, Managing Director, Steve Gimpel, Senior Manager External Affairs, Manilath Arounlangsy and Government Relations Manager, Vannaly Phounsavath represented the Company.

The Company’s representatives provided an Operational update including its pipeline of projects aimed at extending the Company’s presence in Laos beyond 2025.

A highlight was the success of the Company’s voluntary COVID-19 vaccination program for employees and the cash and in-kind support to the Government of Laos during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

Also showcased was Phu Bia Mining’s recognition at national, regional and international levels for its best practice community development, human resources training and development and environmental management programs.