Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR - A milestone was reached on October 17, 2023, as a handover ceremony was held to unveil an open-air shed to display several little ancient silex stone axes that date back 6,000-4,000 years ago. This Shed is a replica of a Neolithic excavation located in Nampakhen Village done by the local indigenous people who resided in the pre-historical time. The Shed was built under the Community Trust Fund which is sponsored by Lane Xang Minerals Limited to preserve the stone-aged artifacts and also serve as a reference for the story of Vilabouly District, particularly in the field of traditional culture and archaeology. It will allow tourist from all over the world to visit and learn about people and the evidenced remnants of Stone Age artefacts in this region.
A displayed shed with 4 X 4.70 m, and 4.30 m high reinforced by steel-frame, glass, alumina roof sheets, and 2 latrines cost at 244.253,280 LAK and was completed in June 10, 2023.
The handover ceremony was attended by high-profile individuals such as Mr. Valiya Sichanthongthip, Mayor of Vilabouly District, Mr. Saman Aneka, Managing Director of LXML, Dr. Thonglith Louangkhoth, Deputy Director General of Heritage Department, Mr. Mongkoutphet Vongphachanh, Deputy Head of Information, Culture and Tourism Division, Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Savannakhet province, LXML representatives, technical officers, representatives from the local contractors, public sector, Nampakhen village authorities, and the villagers also attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Saman expressed his confidence that LXML is maintaining good cooperation from the relevant public sector, particularly in the mining operation, to achieve its goals. He also affirmed that the company would continue to support cultural-heritage works together with the Vilabouly district, and Savannakhet province. LXML has a proper MoU in Corporate Cultural work with the Heritage Department, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
LXML is proud to support this project and contribute to the preservation of heritage. The Shed will serve as a valuable resource for the community and visitors alike, providing insights into the rich history of the area. The Shed is now open to the public, and it is expected to attract visitors from all over the world, eager to learn more about the fascinating history of the region.
Dr. Thonglith Louangkoth, Deputy Director General of the Heritage Department, extended his sincere gratitude and appreciation to LXML for their cooperation and for allowing the government team to work on-site. He recognizes LXML's efforts in preserving cultural heritage through their corporate work, which supports the true history of Vilabouly District and its significance as part of ancient Laos.