Lao government suspends approving new mining projects

(KPL) The government of the Lao PDR has now suspended approving new mining projects. By this the Ministry of Energy and Mining in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Investment and local authorities is instructed to estimate the ongoing mining projects nationwide.

The government also ordered authorities concerned to inspect all documents of mining concessionaires in their site office and warn the companies that do not follow the rule and law of the Lao government.

The statement was disclosed by Mr. Soulivong Dalavong, Minister of Energy and Mining, to the 9th ordinary session of the National Assembly, sixth legislature. Mr. Soulivong Dalavong added that more than 30% of the conceded mining companies would be invited for the warning while 16 other companies will be asked to suspend their operation or their contract cancelled.

Mr. Soulivong also noted that inspection would continue till September 2010.

By June 2010, the number of investors in the mining sector amounts to 154 companies with 268 projects, 118 of which are foreign investors with 185 projects and 36 local companies with 38 projects.