LXML celebrates grand opening of discovery deeps 2 underground mine, marking new era for modern mining at Sepon

The Lane Xang Minerals Limited Company (LXML) has officially celebrated the grand opening of discovery Deeps 2 Mine (DD2) 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 socio-economic development.
The ceremony held at the site in Vilabouly district of Savannakhet province on July 30 was chaired by the Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr Santiphab Phomvihane. Among those who participated in the event were the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr Chansaveng Bounyong, the Chairwoman of the Savannakhet Provincial Administration Committee and Deputy Secretary of the Savannakhet Provincial Party Committee, Ms Daovone Xaisoulien, and senior government officials.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Santiphab Phomvihane beats the gong to officially open the Deeps 2 underground mine.

LXML and Chifeng Gold were represented by the Vice Chairman and CEO of Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining Group Limited, Mr Gao Bo, the Vice President of Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining Group Limited, Mr Tianhang Zhang, the Acting President of LXML, Mr Zhou Xinbing, the General Manager of LXML, Mr Guanghui Zhao, and LXML Managing Director Mr Saman Aneka. Representatives of Zijin Mining Group Co Ltd, LXML Vice General Managers, managers, employees, contractors and community representatives also attended the event.
DD2 is the second underground mine development at Sepon, and builds on the successful development of DD1, recognised as the first modern underground mine in Laos.

The opening of DD2 represents a strategic step in extending Sepon’s future, strengthening ore supply, supporting future production, creating more employment and skill development opportunities for Lao people, and generating further revenue and benefits for the government and local communities.
Since the start of operations, Sepon has made a significant contribution to Laos. LXML has contributed more than US$1.9 billion in direct revenue to the government through taxes, royalties and dividends, and 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, Mr Gao reaffirmed Chifeng Gold’s long-term commitment to Sepon and Laos, and highlighted the Group’s strategy to advance operational excellence, modern mining technology, green and ecological mining, digital mining, safety, environmental protection and sustainable value creation.
Mr Guanghui described DD2 as a milestone not only for Sepon but also for the mining industry in Laos, 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.
Mr Saman 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.
The Vice General Manager, Mr Andrew Brown, 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 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, Mr Chansaveng congratulated LXML on this important milestone and acknowledged Sepon’s long-standing contribution to the socio-economic development of Laos, 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.
Mr Chansaveng 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 reflects the strong partnership between the government of Laos, 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 Laos, and a shared commitment to creating long-term value for the country.
Through safe operations, responsible investment, skill 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.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update August 5, 2026)