Chinese Ambassador to Laos H.E. Pan Guangxue visited the MMG LXML Sepon Gold and Copper Operations at the invitation of Mark Liu, Executive Director of MMG, from 26-27 January. It was the Ambassador’s first opportunity to visit the Sepon mine since China Minmetals Corporation became the major shareholder of the local subsidiary Lane Xang Minerals Limited. The operation is seen as a flagship investment in the sector.
In his first visit to a mining operation, he had the opportunity to witness a gold pour, tour the copper processing plant and examine MMG’s community development activities in the Vilabouly District. At the Houay Khong Training Centre, he was shown traditional weaving techniques and local handicraft production which have been supported by the mining operation.
Dominic Heaton, General Manager of Sepon mine, briefed the Ambassador on progress towards completion of the copper expansion. The expansion will take production from 67,000 tonnes to over 80,000 tonnes by 2011. Construction is on schedule for completion in December this year.
The Ambassador’s visit coincided with Australia Day celebrations at the mine site. During a speech to employees, the Ambassador spoke about the strong multilateral cooperation and friendship between Laos, China and Australia. He said that the Sepon Mine was playing a significant role in furthering this cooperation. He extended his warmest wishes to the Australians in the audience on the occasion of Australia’s national day and wished the operation every success in 2010.
The delegation also included representatives from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry with an interest in the mining sector and followed on from briefings provided by the company to the Chamber. Senior Management from MMG LXML supported the visit, including Richard Taylor, Group Manager for Corporate Affairs Asia, who accompanied the delegation.
H.E. Pan Guangxue and Mme Zhao Xiaoling celebrate multilateral cooperation with Mark Liu, Executive Director of MMG and MMG LXML Management: Frank Reimann, Craig Bradshaw, Richard Taylor, Dominic Heaton, and Zhang Yucheng, Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy to Laos.
H.E. Pan Guangxue receives a memento, made of the copper ore Cuprite, to commemorate his visit to Sepon from Dominic Heaton, General Manager of the Sepon Gold and Copper mine.
H.E. Pan Guangxue receives a briefing from Mr Chonechith Douangphachanh at the Houay Khong Training Centre.
H.E. Pan Guangxue, Mr Zhang Yucheng, Commercial Counsellor and Mr Zhao Wenyu, First Secretary, examine weaving and textile training at the Houay Khong Training Centre.
For further information:
Pasanngane Keoboualapha
External Relations and Media
Tel: 856 21 261 283
Mob: 856 020 2213 491, 020 7865 726,
pasanngane.keoboualapha@mmgroupltd.com
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