Oxiana who started its copper project in Laos last Monday expects to produce 30,000 tons of copper cathodes from its Sepone mine this year, and double the output in 2006. Two successful years of gold operations in the same area allows Oxiana to start its copper project two week ahead of schedule.
Market analysts expect the Sepone copper project will lift Oxiana's 2005 profit to $50-60 million and upwards of $130 million in 2006.
In this part two of an exclusive interview with VOA, Oxiana's Managing Director Owen Hegarty contributes Oxiana's success to the people of Sepone. He also discusses the company's development programs for the Sepone community.
Listen to our special feature report on Oxiana's mining project in Laos for detail.