Laos considers lifting ban on new mining concessions
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Vientiane- Laos is reviewing a ban on new mining concessions that had been due to last until 2015, state media reported on Monday.
The move was part of efforts to open the Communist country up to mining investment again over the next two years, the Vientiane Times reported.
Laos suspended all new mining concessions two years ago, in response to concerns over the environmental and social impact of certain projects.
According to official figures, Laos has approved a total of 470 mining projects worth 5.9 billion dollars, the state-run newspaper reported.
Copper accounted for the largest share of mining investments, at nearly 40 per cent, followed by iron, gold and coal concessions.
DPA
