Volumes up, returns down as Laos’ mining figures confirm impact of global commodity prices
The hit to the value of Laos’ mineral commodity exports inflicted by lower international prices have been confirmed by figures showing an 8.7 percent decrease in returns despite increasing production, local media has reported.
Falling prices for gold, potash and copper inflicted the greatest downward pressure on proceeds from mining in Laos in 2013- 2014, according to figures published by the country’s Ministry of Energy and Mines, state-run media Vientiane Times reported.
Laos’ mining exports were valued at about 12.6 trillion Lao kip (1.56 billion US dollars) for fiscal 2013-14, down from approximately 13.8 trillion (1.7 billion US dollars) the previous 12 months.
