Over 30 mining unprogressive and incompliant concession contracts are likely to be withdrawn and possibly being transferred to the new and sound investors, Mr. Houmpheng Soulalay, Director of Investment Promotion, Ministry of Planning and Investment of Laos, says.
They are among those over 190 mining projects including that of more than 60 projects owned by the Chinese, the largest investors.
As observed by another Lao official, Mr. Soukanh Khosouvath, Chief of Cabinet of Ministry of Energy and Mining, these are a result of the ineffectiveness of these investment projects.
Phoubia Mining
Although these natural resources extraction projects have attracted many foreign investors, they still have not brought about the effective financial capital sources for the national economic development, which are the full benefits that Laos could have. Thus, they fail to enable Laos to tap mining sector to serve as the foundation for the future development of the country’s modern industry as set forth by the government of Laos (GOL).
I thought Australian companies owns most of the mining project in Laos. I guess I was wrong. Does Lao Government keeps track or have limit how much each company can extract?
Lao do need an investment and development but Lao do need a strong national EPA [ environment protection agency ] . did u guy khow how do they process the gold they use poison cyanide to extract the gold . most of poison run off the keep and contain in pond . so if the gold gone who will look after and maintain the site .
Lao do need an investment and development but Lao do need a strong national EPA [ environment protection agency ] . did u guy khow how do they process the gold they use poison cyanide to extract the gold . most of poison run off the keep and contain in pond . so if the gold gone who will look after and maintain the site .
Yeah right! I think after the gold has gone, those ponds will be changing to the swimming pool of local people. Make any senses?
Australia is not the only country with mining operations in Laos. In 2006 I passed by a huge 'lake' between Huay Xai & Luang Namtha, the surroundings were totally stripped bare of forest cover. A businessman from China told me that it was a mine that got flooded. Looked like it had been abandoned.
The chemicals don't only collect in the pond, they enter the soil & contaminate the rivers & wells...& people use this water to drink, cook, bathe, grow rice, etc.
