Lane Xang Minerals Limited Company (LXML) has officially celebrated the grand opening of its Discovery Deeps 2 Mine (DD2) operation at the Sepon Gold-Copper Mine, marking another major milestone in the company’s transition toward modern underground mining and its continued contribution to Lao PDR’s socio-economic development. In 2025, Sepon produced 7,000 t of copper and 6 t (212,000 oz) of gold. Planned production for 2026 is over 5.7 t of gold and 11,400 tonnes of copper. The overall underground deposit will extend the life of mine to at least 2033.
The DD1 and DD2 mines use underground stoping with the mining fleet including three Sandvik two boom DD421 jumbos and Caterpillar 740 ADTs. The company also uses remote control R2900G Caterpillar LHDs using teleremote technology supplied by Epiroc-owned RCT.
The ceremony was chaired by H.E. Santiphab Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Lao PDR, with the participation of H.E. Chansaveng Bounyong, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce; H.E. Daovone Xaisoulien, Chairwoman of the Savannakhet Provincial Administration Committee and Deputy Secretary of the Savannakhet Provincial Party Committee; and senior government officials from central, provincial and district levels.
Representing LXML and Chifeng Gold were Gao Bo, Vice Chairman and CEO of Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining Group Ltd; Tianhang Zhang, Vice President of Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining Group Ltd; Zhou Xinbing, Acting President of LXML; Guanghui Zhao, General Manager of LXML; representatives from Zijin Mining Group Co Ltd; Saman Aneka, LXML Managing Director, along with LXML Vice General Managers, managers, employees, contractors and community representatives.
DD2 is the second underground mine development at Sepon, building on the successful development of DD1, recognised as the first modern underground mine in Lao PDR. The opening of DD2 LXML says represents a strategic step in extending Sepon’s future, strengthening ore supply, supporting future production, creating more employment and skills development opportunities for Lao people, and generating further revenue and benefits for the Government and local communities.
Since the commencement of operations, Sepon has made a significant contribution to Lao PDR. LXML has contributed over US$1.9 billion in direct revenue to the Government through taxes, royalties and dividends, as well as approximately US$194 million in indirect benefits through employment, training, local business opportunities, infrastructure improvement, health, education, UXO clearance, community development and environmental programmes.
Speaking at the event, Gao Bo reaffirmed Chifeng Gold’s long-term commitment to Sepon and Lao PDR, highlighting the Group’s strategy to advance operational excellence, modern mining technology, green and ecological mining, digital mining, safety, environmental protection and sustainable value creation.
Guanghui Zhao, General Manager of LXML, described DD2 as a milestone not only for Sepon but also for the mining industry in Lao PDR, noting that responsible mining goes beyond producing copper and gold; it is about creating lasting benefits for the Lao people, supporting communities and driving national prosperity.
Saman Aneka, Managing Director, underlined LXML’s long-standing community contribution, including the Community Trust Fund of US$750,000 per year, support for disadvantaged families, vocational training, and local business development, with local businesses generating more than US$50 million over the past 23 years.
Andrew Brown, Vice General Manager highlighted that DD2 reflects the future direction of global mining, with underground mining helping reduce surface disturbance, limit waste rock, improve efficiency and preserve more of the surrounding environment. He also emphasised that modern underground mining requires skilled Lao operators, technicians and leaders, supported through structured training, simulator learning and supervised practical experience.
In his remarks, H.E. Chansaveng Bounyong congratulated LXML on this important milestone and acknowledged Sepon’s long-standing contribution to the socio-economic development of Lao PDR, including government revenue, infrastructure development, job creation for Lao people, technical knowledge transfer and community development. He noted that Sepon’s continued strong performance, including its A+ evaluation, reflects the company’s attention to regulations, technical standards, environmental protection and social responsibility.
He encouraged LXML to continue complying strictly with laws and regulations, prioritising safety, occupational health, environmental and social management, applying modern technology, developing Lao human resources, and strengthening community development, education, health, infrastructure and employment opportunities.
The opening of DD2 the statement said reflects the strong partnership between the Government of Lao PDR, Chifeng Gold, LXML and local communities. More than a mine opening, DD2 represents confidence in the future of Sepon, the continued advancement of modern underground mining in Lao PDR, and a shared commitment to creating long-term value for the country. LXML stated: “Through safe operations, responsible investment, skills development and community-focused growth, Sepon continues to demonstrate how mining can support national development while delivering meaningful benefits to people, communities and future generations.”
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