100 percent resource increase, page-27

Morning Joenes

as I said i would last night I attach some high level "google" based research
The link you posted was may, just before the mining investment "freeze" and review of existing projects was announced in Jun 12. I do NOT know the implications, e.g. are SARCO bauxite mining license appln and refinery plans viewed as new (hard to be existing in BFS, EIS or similar yet done - aren't the studies due to be completed end of this year?

Below are a series on links to full articles and selected extracts. Again just seems to highlight risks of potential delays...country risk/political risk etc etc


http://www.laolandissues.org/2012/04/27/bauxite-mine-poses-challenge-for-bolaven-coffee-growers-2/

apr 12
The official said he had learnt from Champassak provincial authorities that the government had given the go-ahead for foreign investors to conduct a feasibility study on the bauxite mine, but no decision had been reached on a mining concession. He said he wanted the government to minimise the scale of the project to ensure that the coffee industry and the bauxite mine could exist side by side. “Coffee provides a more sustainable income for Laos than bauxite.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gfck8obPN9pivAmcrHVIpVFTCpyA?docId=CNG.702337e7101d78bbd1e37945c35a064b.701
Jun 12

The government will examine existing investment policies and assess ongoing projects, the Vientiane Times said, adding that authorities would also review the environmental and social impact of major development projects.
"We approved large plots of land without looking into the details, like what land belonged to the state and which belonged to local people," the paper quoted Minister of Planning and Investment Somdy Duangdy as saying.
Inadequate land surveys ahead of major development projects have led to a rash of complaints over encroachment of villagers' land, and also created a range of environmental problems, he said.


http://www.mining-journal.com/reports/indochina-and-thailand-committed-to-growth?SQ_DESIGN_NAME=print_friendly
9 Nov 2012

Local communities and non-government organisations have expressed concerns over appropriate land management. In response Laos introduced a moratorium, which is expected to last until 2015, that froze any new mining investments. The moratorium will still allow land surveys and assessments to be made.

The government is looking at reviewing legislation to improve natural resource management. With regards to mining, prime minister Thongsing Thammavong recommended the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment compile a geological database to manage the exploration and mining sector more effectively. As part of this focus on land management, the government are also exploring ways to evaluate the health and social impact of land use

http://emergingfrontiersblog.com/2012/10/31/investors-in-laos-confront-new-policies/
31/10/2012

Laos has suspended the issuance of new investment certificates for mineral exploitation as well as rubber and eucalyptus cultivation in the country.
It has also decided to suspend certificates to the end of 2015 while it reviews and amends its licensing procedures for foreign investment projects.
Many foreign-invested projects have either not started or have begun very late, according to government officials in Laos.
In addition to new restrictions on licences, Laos has banned exports of unprocessed crude ore from the country.


http://csis.org/publication/southeast-asia-corner-18th-and-k-streets-carpe-diem-time-end-strategic-ambiguity-south-c
july 12

Laos halts new investment, land concessions until 2015. Laos announced June 26 it will freeze mining licenses and land concessions until 2015 at the earliest in response to complaints about land encroachment and environmental problems. The government is scheduled to conduct land surveys, review existing investment policies, and inspect all approved development projects. Most projects approved since 1998 are foreign–funded and concentrated in the mining, hydropower, and agricultural sectors

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-27/an-laos-halts-new-investment/4095240
July 12

The Lao government says it will not allow any new investments in mining or grant further land for rubber plantations until 2015, amid concerns about its environmental and social impact on local communities.
The Minister of Planning and Investment Somdy Duangdy has told state media the decision was made after receiving complaints about projects encroaching on villagers' land and causing environmental problems.
He says all existing projects will be reviewed and future projects will not be approved until the government has conducted thorough land surveys.