Phu Bia Copper Mine

The Phu Bia Mine, located in Xaisomboun Province, is a premier mining operation in Laos, renowned for its substantial copper and gold deposits. The project encompasses several key sites, most notably the Phu Kham Copper-Gold Operation and the Ban Houayxai Gold-Silver Operation. It is managed by Phu Bia Mining, a subsidiary of the Australian-based PanAust Limited. Geographically situated in a rugged mountainous region northeast of Vientiane, the mine required extensive engineering and infrastructure development to facilitate large-scale extraction. Since the Phu Kham plant commenced production in 2008, it has become a pillar of the Lao national economy. The copper concentrate produced at the site is transported via truck and ship to smelters across Asia. The operator emphasizes international safety standards and environmental management programs to mitigate the impact on the surrounding highland ecosystems. As one of the largest private sector employers in Laos, the Phu Bia Mine is instrumental in driving industrial growth and fostering technical expertise among the local workforce.

Nearby cities

Phonsavan

Phonsavan is the capital of Xieng Khouang Province.

Xaisomboun

Xaisomboun, also known as Anouvong, is the capital of the youngest province in Laos.

Nong Khai

Nong Khai is a city on the bank of the Mekong River, opposite the Laotian capital of Vientiane.

Nam Ngum Reservoir

A vast reservoir north of Vientiane, famous for its scenic islands, boat cruises, and floating restaurants.

Udon Thani

Udon Thani is a major regional center in northeast Thailand, serving as a gateway to Laos.

Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is a small town north of Vientiane.

Nong Khiaw

Nong Khiaw is picturesquely situated on the Nam Ou River, surrounded by limestone cliffs.

Muang Ngoi

Muang Ngoi is a picturesque riverside village surrounded by towering karst peaks, offering a tranquil escape along the Nam Ou River.

Phonhong

Phonhong is the administrative center of Vientiane Province.

Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen is one of the four major centers of Isan, northeast Thailand, and an important educational hub.

Điện Biên Phủ

Famous as the site of the decisive battle that ended the First Indochina War.

Kasi

Kasi is a small town on Route 13 between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.

Sangkhom

A peaceful riverside town on the Mekong, known for its stunning river views, misty hills, and the skywalk at Wat Pha Tak Suea.

History & landmarks

Plain of Jars

The Plain of Jars is a mysterious megalithic archaeological landscape featuring thousands of ancient stone jars scattered across a centra…

Buddha Park

An unusual sculpture park along the Mekong River that houses over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.

Pha That Luang

The most important national monument in Laos, a large gold-covered Buddhist stupa in the center of Vientiane.

Nature

Nam Ngum River

One of the largest rivers in Laos and a major tributary of the Mekong, heavily utilized for hydroelectric power generation through dams.

More places

Long Tieng

Formerly a covert CIA base and airport during the Secret War, located in a hidden valley.

Nong Tang Battlefield

A lake and the surrounding crater-pocked hills where fierce fighting occurred during the Secret War in Laos.

Lao Mulberry Silk Farm

An agricultural facility focused on cultivating mulberry trees for rearing silkworms.

Plain of Jars

A group of thousands of stone jars scattered across the Xiangkhoang Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Xiangkhoang Plateau

A large plateau in northern Laos, famous for the Plain of Jars, an Iron Age archaeological site.

Wat Phia Wat Ruins

An impressive ruin in Muang Khoun featuring a large seated Buddha statue exposed after the temple walls were destroyed by bombs.

Old Muang Khoun Ruins

The remains of the historic old capital of Xieng Khouang province, which was largely destroyed by heavy bombing.

Phou Samsoun

A prominent mountain in Xiangkhoang Province, playing a significant role in local culture and beliefs.