PM announces continued suspension of mining concessions
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith said on October 19 the government will maintain the moratorium on new mining concessions because it needs more time to inspect a number of operations. The prime minister was speaking at a three-day conference taking place at the National Convention Centre for mining sector officials from around the country and private investors in the industry. The conference on the management of investment in the mining sector began on on October 18 and ends on October 20. The prime minister’s statement comes after the government earlier said it was preparing to lift the moratorium in a bid to boost revenue. But Mr Thongloun said the government needs more time to investigate the activities of some concession holders and mining operators. Some companies hold concessions but are not actively extracting mineral ores while other companies are operating illegally by falling short of the required environmental standards or failing to comply with other government regulations.
