KPL) The MMG LXML Sepon, the gold and copper mine in Savannakhet province, will invest US$2.9 million to improve Road 28A during 2011-2012, according to its source on August 31.
A handover ceremony for the newly renovated section of road between Nalou Gate and Vilabourly town was held last month and was attended by Savannakhet Governor Dr Souphan Keomixay (C), Vilabourty district Chief Boasine Mahavong (L), MMG LXML Sepon Director Saman Anka, and MMG LXML Sepon Senior Manager for Social License and Sustainability Fran Reimann (both right)
The renovation will begin after the rainy season. It will involve an expansion of 13 sections of road 28A, and replace four Bailey bridges with pre stressed concrete bridges. All work will be completed by mid-2012.
Road 28A is the main road in Vilabouly district, where the mine is located, and links the district capital with Route 9, the province’s main east-west highway.
“Road 28A is the main access route to the mine, but is also one of the most important routes for local communities. Parts of it were quite damaged, making it unsafe. After the renovation, travel will be safer and more convenient for community members,” said Saman Aneka, Director of MMG LXML Sepon.
Early this year, the company renovated five kilometre stretch of the road. This work involved UXO clearance, widening the road to width of six meters, lifting and resealing the road with asphalt, installing drainage pipe, building bus stop areas along the route. The cost of the work was around US$ 1.02 million.
Since operations commenced in 2003, the mine has spent more than US$8.28 million on the
construction and renovation of roads within Vilabouly district.
