Minister of Industry and Commerce, Malaithong Kommasith (right), presents the ASEAN Minerals Award 2025 to the Managing Director of LXML, Mr Saman Aneka.

LXML awarded ASEAN Minerals Award for best practices in minerals mining – metallic

Lane Xang Minerals Limited Company (LXML) has been awarded the ASEAN Minerals Award 2025 (2nd Runner-Up) for Best Practices in Minerals Mining – Metallic, a recognition of the company’s exceptional achievements in responsible mining, innovation, environmental stewardship, and community development.
LXML is the only company from Laos to receive this award, reaffirming its leadership as a model of sustainable mining in the ASEAN region.
The award was presented by the Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce, Malaithong Kommasith, during the ASEAN Minerals Awards Gala Dinner held in Vientiane on October 2.

LXML Vice General Manager for Operations, Mr Michael Stott, delivers a presentation.

Accepting the award on behalf of the company were the Managing Director of LXML, Mr Saman Aneka, and Manager for Mining Operations, Mr Phonesvanh Khamvongsa.
The ASEAN Minerals Awards took place in conjunction with the 10th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Minerals and the 25th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Minerals, hosted by Laos in Vientiane from September 29-  October 3.
As part of the award process, the LXML team led by the Vice General Manager for Operations, Mr Michael Stott, delivered a presentation to the ASEAN Board of Judges representing all 10 ASEAN Member States.
The presentation showcased LXML’s achievements in mining innovation, community development, safety leadership, and environmental management.
This marks the third time LXML has been recognised by the ASEAN Minerals Awards, having previously received the 2019 Award for Best Practices in Metallurgy and the 2023 Award for Best Practices in Mineral Processing.
The 2025 accolade, presented during the 5th Board of Judges Meeting and 4th ASEAN Minerals Awards, demonstrates LXML’s consistent leadership across multiple dimensions of the mining sector.
Mr Saman said “This recognition is a proud moment for LXML and for [the] Lao PDR. It reflects our deep commitment to responsible mining, innovation, and partnership with communities. For more than two decades, Sepon has demonstrated how mining can create shared value for the nation, protect the environment, and empower people. We are honoured to represent Laos on the ASEAN stage and will continue to set high standards for sustainable mining that benefits both people and the planet.”
For over 20 years, LXML has operated the Sepon Mine in Savannakhet province, contributing significantly to Laos’ national development through responsible operations, infrastructure investment, and local business support.
The company continues to play a vital role in creating national value and positioning Sepon as a flagship model of responsible mining in Laos.
LXML has consistently introduced cutting-edge technologies and practices that set new benchmarks across ASEAN.
The Sepon Mine is Laos’ first and most technologically advanced underground mine, incorporating automated machinery, real-time monitoring systems, and micro-seismic safety technology.
The company also pioneered unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance innovations, co-developing safer detection and disposal methods that are now recognised as a national best practice.
Environmental stewardship is central to LXML’s operations. The company has invested extensively in biodiversity conservation, environmental monitoring, and land rehabilitation while helping to preserve Lao cultural and geological heritage through its long-term partnerships with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
In the area of community development, LXML has established a long-standing Community Trust Fund to support education, health, and livelihood programmes.
The company’s initiatives have contributed to improved living standards in surrounding communities and supported thousands of local families and children, reflecting its enduring commitment to social progress.
LXML’s people are central to its success. With a predominantly Lao workforce, the company continuously invests in technical skills training and professional development opportunities.
LXML developed Laos’ first underground mining team and proudly employs the country’s first female bogger operator. Its strong focus on safety has resulted in one of the lowest injury rates in the ASEAN mining industry, supported by a robust safety culture and continuous improvement programmes.
Reflecting on the award, Mr Stott expressed his delight, noting that this recognition is not only an honour for LXML but also a proud achievement for Laos.
He emphasised that the award highlights the value Sepon Mine brings to the nation by combining world-class mining practices with meaningful contributions to local communities, sustainable development, and the country’s long-term prosperity.
The ASEAN Minerals Award underscores LXML’s role in advancing ASEAN’s Minerals Development Vision and the ASEAN Principles for Sustainable Minerals Development.
As ASEAN places increasing importance on sustainable mineral value chains for regional economic growth and energy transition, LXML’s achievement stands as a powerful example of how responsible mining can drive prosperity while protecting environmental and cultural heritage.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update October 15, 2025)