In the morning of 6 June 2023, Lane Xang Minerals Limited (Sepon Mine) together with Vilabouly administrative authorities held a handover ceremony of livestock to disadvantaged families around Sepon Mine. Eighteen families received 45 cattle and 40 goats valued at 471,000,000 kip.
Mr Saman Aneka, LXML Managing Director said “Based on the directives of the 8(th) National Socio-Economic Development Plan, Lao PDR has prioritised green growth economy in its long-term agriculture and forestry strategy focusing on improving agricultural productivity, food security, and safe products. LXML’s support is an important step in implementing this strategy, which the provided livestock is aimed at improving the livelihood of the community through agricultural subsistence and towards commercial agricultural production.”
The handed livestock received support from LXML’s Fund for Assistance of Disadvantaged Group. The Fund promotes community agricultural activities namely raising poultry, frog, goat, and cattle which has generated tremendous benefits to communities around Sepon Mine.
From 2019 to 2023, the Fund has assisted at total of 1,200,000,000 kip to disadvantaged families, benefitting 54 families.
The Fund for Assistance of Disadvantaged Group (FADG) provides grants ranging from US$8.000 to US$16.000, depending on household size. To date, the Fund has supported implementation of 260 projects in 47 communities accounting for US$3.4 million. Villagers will choose their own projects and provide in-kind support such as their time, labor, and inputs to enhance beneficiary ownership in the projects.