Community health
Living close to a mining operation and its associated facilities can pose many questions for community members.
It is important to remain informed so we have provided some information below regarding the health programs supported by Sepon and focus on improving the health and wellbeing of our employees.
Mother and child health in Vilabouly District
Sepon and the Macfarlane Burnet Institute, in cooperation with Vilabouly District’s Department of Health, are implementing a mother and child health project. Within the district, the project aims to improve the health status of mothers and children, improve the knowledge and skills of healthcare personnel, and improve the nutritional status of infants and children.
Annual health check for full-time employees
Around half of all site-based employees come from Vilabouly District where the mine is based. All full-time employees are entitled to an annual health check, which is provided at the on-site clinic. Employees are also able to use the clinic for routine medical care. Employees in Vientiane and Savannakhet undertake annual check ups in their respective cities.
Infrastructure and equipment
The Sepon Development Trust Fund (link to Community programs) provides $500,000 a year to fund infrastructure development and capacity building throughout Vilabouly District. Health-related expenditure made under the fund has included new hospital buildings, medical equipment and an ambulance. As at 2011, the fund has disbursed more than US$2.9 million since mining operations started in 2003.
All permanent staff are entitled to a free annual health check.