ຂປລ
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) recently convened a scientific seminar to review a draft order aimed at improving policy and strengthening the management of mineral development in the new era.
The seminar was chaired by Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Permanent Secretary of the Government, and attended by Mr. Malaythong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce, together with ministers, deputy ministers, representatives of the MOIC and its departments, officials from relevant ministries, and representatives of mineral project companies.
Addressing the seminar, Mr. Saleumxay described mineral resources as one of the nation's most valuable assets and a key driver of economic growth. He noted, however, that the sector has long depended on the extraction and export of raw minerals, with only limited domestic processing and value addition.
He said the mining sector continues to face a range of challenges, including environmental and social impacts, unsystematic and unsustainable extraction, illegal mining and other violations of the law, overlapping responsibilities between central and local authorities, inadequate environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, unresolved land encroachment issues, and overloaded mineral transport.
In response, the Government is pursuing a new strategy that shifts the sector away from a model of simply extracting and exporting raw materials toward one focused on mineral processing, value addition, downstream industrial development, and the creation of domestic value chains.
The new approach is intended to maximize the economic value of the country's mineral resources by increasing government revenue, creating jobs, strengthening domestic industries, and supporting sustainable, long-term economic development.
Mr. Saleumxay also stressed the need to strengthen investor selection by placing greater emphasis on transparency, accountability, technical expertise, financial capacity, and compliance with ESG standards. He said every mining investment should be environmentally responsible, socially accountable, and capable of delivering lasting benefits to the nation.
He emphasized that the draft order represents more than an administrative reform. Instead, it lays the foundation for a modern, transparent, and internationally aligned system of mineral resource governance that will help prevent resource losses, strengthen investor confidence, and safeguard national interests.
He expressed confidence that, through close cooperation among all stakeholders, Laos can establish an effective policy framework that promotes responsible mineral development while ensuring the sustainable management of the country's natural resources.
KPL
