Khammouane Authorities Suspend Mining Operations After Land Collapses

The Ministry of Vitality and Mines has suspended operations at a mining website in Khammounae province after two land collapses raised security and environmental considerations.

Each incidents occurred inside rice fields belonging to native residents in Pak Beng Village, Thakhek District, close to a mineral processing plant operated by a Chinese language-owned Sino-Agri Potash Worldwide firm.

Amvieng Paovongxay, Deputy Director of the Division of Mines Administration on the Ministry of Vitality and Mines, reported that the primary collapse appeared on 3 December, 2024. It measured 436 sq. meters in space and was roughly 6 meters deep, prompting an investigation the next day.

A second collapse, reported by locals on 21 December, 2024, measured 125 sq. meters with the identical depth of 6 meters and about 6 to 7 meters away from the primary one.

In response, authorities businesses performed inspections and carried out security measures, together with suspending mining actions close to the world, putting in monitoring techniques to trace land motion, establishing fences across the collapse websites, and warning the general public to remain away.

Investigations are underway to find out the reason for the collapses, with findings anticipated by the tip of January.