Recently, the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Laos and the Ministry of Natural Resources of China jointly organized a meeting, which was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines of Laos and the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources of China. The meeting mainly summarized and discussed the past cooperation experience between China and Laos in geological exploration, as well as the direction for China to continue providing assistance to geological exploration in Laos.

The meeting mainly covered three topics, including: firstly, Laos hopes that the Chinese government will allocate funds to support underdeveloped areas in LaosConduct geological survey on 72196 square kilometers; Secondly, China has previously planned to conduct geological surveys in 9 provinces in northern Laos, and has submitted implementation plans to the Lao Prime Minister's Office, Laos China Cooperation Committee, and others in 2021; Thirdly, previously LaosThe Ministry of Energy and Mines proposes to create China-ASEAN Big data database, the Ministry has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Geological survey of China,And onCompleted in 2022.

The Lao side stated that,The Laos Geochemical Profile Project, launched in 2012, was completed in 2017. The project covers an area of 16309 square kilometers, equivalent to 6.87% of the country's area, with a ratio of 1:200000. It also includes three maps of the five northern provinces of Laos - Sainyabuli, Luang Prabang, Poka, Oudomxay and Vientiane. At the same time, a 1:1000000 geochemical map was also produced, covering the whole country.

The second phase of the exploration project involvesIt was signed in August 2017, with the content that China will continue to assist in the drawing of geological and geochemical profiles in Laos. The mapped area of the project is 9631 square kilometers, accounting for 4.06% of the national area, with a proportion of 1:200000. It mainly includes Nordan, Kenburn, Tangmisai, Balai and Xiazhan County in Vientiane province Province, which are located in Sainyabuli province Province. The contract period for this project isfiveYear, expected to betwo thousand and twenty-fourComplete implementation before the end of the year.

This time, the Lao side proposed the cooperation needs for the third stage at the meeting, focusing on exploring how to carry out areas that have not yet been surveyed in Laos9 provinces, with a total area of 72196 Square kilometre. The Ministry of Energy and Mines of Laos has requested that China provide free assistance to support the smooth progress of this survey work.

Both sides held detailed consultations on the aid plan at the meeting. In addition to discussing exploration work, China and Laos also had extensive exchanges on geological exploration of mineral resources and environmental assessment. They delved into topics such as optimizing exploration methods, protecting the environment, and ensuring the sustainability of resource development, and formulated a comprehensive development plan on these issues. These plans aim to maximize the potential of mineral resources,Simultaneously protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.

According to the survey, Laos mainly includes gold, copper, tin, lead, potassium, iron, gypsum, coal, salt, etcMore than 20 types of minerals. The proven national tin reserves are about 65000 to 80000 tons. Laos has a low level of geological and mineral exploration, and the development of mineral resources is even lower. So far, a small amount of tin, gypsum, potassium, salt, coal, etc. have been mined, which is basically one of the undeveloped regions in the world.

The holding of this meeting marks the further deepening of cooperation between China and Laos in the field of mineral exploration, providing both sides with an opportunity for common development and mutual benefit. The successful holding of this consultation is of positive significance for promoting regional economic development and promoting the further development of bilateral relations. Both sides expressed optimism for future cooperation and will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation, jointly promoting the balanced development of mineral resource development and environmental protection, and making positive contributions to the prosperity and development of both countries.