The total outputs of Laos’ mining and energy sectors for the fiscal year 2006-07 increased 20% from the previous year but were still short of the projected target because of decreased energy production.
Officials reported that the total values of mining and energy outputs were more than 2.1 trillion kips, or about $219 million, for the fiscal year ending in September, and that does not include the values of gold and copper outputs, estimated at $570 million.
Oxiana Resources' mines in Sepone, Savannakhet, is estimated to produce currently about 200,000 ounces of gold and 60,000 tons of copper a year.
Nevertheless, last fiscal year's mining and energy outputs were still short of projected targets because of decreased energy production, which was the result of insufficient rainfalls according to officials who added electricity production by Laos' various dams was down 7% last year, totaling only 3,464 million kilowatts/hour.
For the current fiscal year, Lao authorities project total electricity production at over 3,720 million Kilowatts/hour, with 1,355 ml kw/hr allotted for domestic consumption and the rest for exports to neighboring countries.
Mining production is projected to increase 13% for the fiscal year 2007-08, with the Phou Bia gold mine now in operation.
Listen to our Laos Today report for more details in Lao.