VIENTIANE: The government has set up a mineral inspection, analysis and quality certification system at 32 export checkpoints around the country, helping to strengthen the oversight of mineral exports, improve transparency, and boost state revenue from the mining industry.
The network of labs was officially introduced by the Ministry of Finance in cooperation with relevant agencies during a meeting held on May 29. The facilities will be used to test and certify mineral products before they are shipped through border crossings and from railway stations.
Among the newly established facilities are labs at the Naphao International Checkpoint and the Third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge International Checkpoint in Khammuan province, as well as the Lalai International Checkpoint in Salavan province.
According to the ministry officials in charge of the initiative, this will address longstanding challenges in the management of mineral exports.
In the past, the inspection of mineral quality was not sufficiently wide-ranging, while data collection and monitoring of exported minerals was fragmented. In addition, no dedicated mechanism existed to oversee mineral verification procedures at export destinations.
The new labs are expected to centralise inspection and certification processes, ensuring that mineral exports are accurately assessed before leaving the country. Equipped with modern analytical technologies, the facilities will enhance the reliability of mineral testing and improve transparency in export management.
The scheme also supports the government’s policy of building a more independent and self-reliant economy.
By developing domestic capacity to inspect, analyse and certify minerals and rare earth elements, Laos aims to strengthen national expertise while reducing reliance on external verification services.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the labs will play an important role in ensuring the accuracy of mineral export declarations and helping authorities monitor the volume and quality of mineral resources being shipped abroad.
This is expected to bolster revenue collection and ensure that the state receives appropriate returns from the country’s mineral wealth.
The initiative is aligned with the National Agenda and government directives aimed at enhancing transparency, strengthening governance, and creating sustainable sources of revenue.
Implementation of the system follows a notice issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on May 15, which called for the establishment of mineral quality inspections at export destinations.
The nationwide rollout was carried out through cooperation between the responsible national committee, provincial authorities, customs agencies, laboratory operators, and other relevant bodies.
Officials in charge have expressed confidence that the new inspection system will strengthen management of the mining industry and contribute to more efficient and accountable mineral exports in the years ahead. - Vientiane Times/ANN
