Vietnamese minister inspects major projects in Southern Laos, including bauxite and alumina, evaluates challenges

Over the weekend, Vietnam's Minister of Planning and Investment, Nguyễn Chí Dũng, inspected several Vietnamese-invested projects in southern Laos, acknowledging both the progress and the challenges these initiatives face. This transparency is crucial for our collective preparedness.

The minister visited the construction site of the Kaleum coal mine and the proposed location for the Kaleum Coal-Fired Power Plant in Sekong Province. Phonesack Group will operate both projects. The coal mine boasts an annual production capacity of up to 20 million tonnes, of which three million tonnes are planned for export to Vietnam.

The US$4.06-billion power plant project, led by the Petrovietnam Power Corporation (PV Power), is of strategic importance and is currently seeking financing partners for investment, management, operation, and maintenance. Construction is slated to commence in April 2025, with the first turbine expected to be operational by January 2028.

In addition, Minister Dũng inspected the bauxite mining and alumina refinery complex operated by Việt Phương Group in Sekong's Dakcheung District. This complex is one of Vietnam's largest investments in Laos. With a projected investment of around $1 billion, the project plans to begin exports by the second quarter of 2026.

During his visit, the minister expressed gratitude to the Vietnam-Laos and Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committees for their continued support. He also urged the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment to expedite the implementation of the Lakmang Thermal Power Plant, ensuring the smooth progress of these key bilateral projects.

With an estimated capacity of around 600 MW, the plant is set to power alumina processing operations. It is also anticipated that a comprehensive value chain will be established, spanning from coal and bauxite ore to alumina and aluminium production.

Dũng expressed his aspiration for the project to become a symbol of strong bilateral relations between the two countries. He also urged local authorities in Laos to provide favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses in all sectors.

Note: The information and image in the article is sourced from Vietnam News.