Saman Aneka (left) hands over LXML’s contribution of US$5,000 to fund activities to mark the 25th National Environment Day and 51st World Environment Day. - Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE: As part of its ongoing commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Lane Xang Minerals Limited Company (LXML) commemorated World Environment Day on Wednesday (June 5) by collaborating with the Vilabouly district government and the local community on a restoration and awareness event at the Nater Headwater dam conservation area.
The event aligned with the global initiative to promote environmental protection and restoration, with this year’s theme focusing on “Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience”.
The Nater Headwater dam conservation area, situated approximately 50km from Sepon’s operations on the Xe Noy River, was the focal point of the activities.
Recognising the ecological and social significance of the area to the Vilabouly district government and surrounding communities, the area serves as an important tourism recreation site but has faced degradation due to past activities and potential risks from upstream mining.
LXML’s Environment Department provided an indicative plan for the ecological restoration of the site.
Native seedlings were generously donated by LXML for planting, aiming to restore and enhance the area’s biodiversity.
Leading the event were the Governor of Vilabouly district, Valiya Sichanthongthip; Managing Director of LXML, Saman Aneka; Deputy Director of the Natural Resources and Environment Department of Savannakhet province; and management representatives from LXML including Manager for Safety Health and Environment, Carl Rieck and Senior Superintendent-Environment, Shane Langdon.
The collaborative effort included the participation of local government authorities, administrative officers, community members, natural resource and environment officers from Vilabouly district, and dedicated LXML employees.
Valiya expressed his heartfelt gratitude to LXML, saying “We are deeply appreciative of LXML’s significant contribution to our community’s environmental restoration. Their dedication to restoring the Nater Headwater dam conservation area not only enhances the local ecology but also serves as a model for responsible corporate citizenship.”
Saman said “LXML is proud to partner with Vilabouly district authorities in marking this important World Environment Day initiative.”
“By working together, we can ensure a healthy and sustainable future for the Nater Headwater dam conservation area and the communities that depend on it.”
Key activities facilitated by and involving LXML in the event encompassed various support measures, such as the provision of seedlings from the onsite nursery, planting of 160 native hardwood seedlings, a clean-up initiative to remove litter from the conservation area, a World Environment Day banner, and polo shirts for participants, food and beverages, the supply of used 600 sets of pallets for fencing post-event, and raising awareness among the local community about forest conservation and waste management practices.
A group of LXML employees and management actively engaged in the tree planting and clean-up efforts, demonstrating their strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Additionally, participants engaged in environmental awareness activities and quizzes, enhancing their understanding of the importance of habitat conservation and sustainability practices. The cost breakdown expenses were estimated at US$5,000.
At LXML Sepon, we are committed to minimising environmental impacts and strive to return disturbed land to a usable state.
Our priorities include managing operational environment impacts, incorporating progressive rehabilitation into our plans and operations, and delivering industry best practice land rehabilitation and revegetation programmes.
We also prioritise community engagement and involvement in our environmental initiatives, as we believe that collaboration with local stakeholders is essential for long-term environmental sustainability. - Vientiane Times/ANN
