Phu Bia Mining (PBM) was honoured to receive the highest-level visit led by H.E. Prof. Dr. Viengthong Siphandone, Party Central Committee Secretariat and Vice President of Lao PDR, and the delegation on 17 and 20 August to two of its company operations.

The Vice President’s and delegation’s visit commenced with a 20-minute video showcasing PBM’s world-class, internationally best-practice operations. Mr David Reid, PBM Managing Director, warmly welcomed the Vice President and delegation, also provided a tour of the Ban Houayxai Gold-Silver Operation’s state-of-the-art control room, gold pour room and mining and processing processes. At the Phu Kham Copper-Gold Operation, the Vice President of the Lao PDR and the delegation learned first-hand about the Operation’s Process Plant, its internationally modelled open-pit, and training centre.

During the visit, the Vice President of the Lao PDR praised PBM’s international best-practice programs in environmental (land, water, vegetation) rehabilitation and management, workforce health and safety, and human resources training and development for Lao national employees, as well as the Company’s social and economic contributions to local communities. The Vice President also extended guidance and direction on foreign investment opportunities for Laos’ mining industry.

Mr David Reid, Phu Bia Mining Managing Director, expressed thanks to the visit and the Company’s strong relationship with the Government of Laos.

“We are deeply honoured to welcome the Vice President of Lao PDR and the high-level delegation from the National and Xaisomboun Provincial Government. This is the first visit led by the highest level of Lao PDR leadership to our Operations.

“Since commencing operations in 2008, PBM has contributed more than US$1.25 billion in taxes, royalties, and dividends, while generating an additional US$3.8 billion through local procurement and other indirect economic contributions.

“PBM currently employs more than 3,600 people, with Lao nationals accounting for over 93% of our workforce. We remain committed to developing local talent, creating long-term employment opportunities, and strengthening the mining sector through skills development and knowledge transfer.

“The Vice President of Lao PDR and the delegates were very impressed with our achievements and how our Operations have contributed to the country and the people of Laos. We are confident that this visit will positively inform discussions and coordination at national and provincial Government levels as we continue to investment in multiple growth projects,” said Mr Reid.