Vientiane (VNA) - Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has instructed relevant agencies to expedite the drafting of a strategy on rare earth and other minerals, to ensure proper management of mining operations in the country, reported Vientiane Times. economy . As rare earth is in high demand globally, it is necessary for the government to ensure that Laos fully benefits from the mining of rare earth deposits, he said. In recent months, National Assembly members have expressed concern about mining operations in Laos , saying that the mismanaged export of precious metals and other minerals has resulted in serious financial losses. Laos's rare earth reserves are estimated to be big. The country has to date signed rare earth exploration contracts with 18 companies in 18 projects./. VNA … [Read more...] about Lao Gov’t tightens management of rare earth mining
Sa pa lao cai
Eradicating unsound customs among ethnic minority groups
The military-civilian infirmary of Defense-Economic Unit 78 is located in Mo Rai commune, far from Sa Thay district’s medical facility in Kon Tum province. Due to difficult traffic conditions, over the past years, the ethnic minority groups in Mo Rai border commune have had their health checked here. Lieutenant Bui Minh Ha, Head of the infirmary, held that due to poor travel conditions and lack of knowledge, many people do not have health insurance. However, the unit’s doctors and medical staff always give priority to saving and treating the locals. She added that with the motto “Living and working together with ethnic minorities,” troops of the Defense-Economic Unit 78 have closely joined hands with local authorities to disseminate information to eradicate unsound customs and raise the locals’ awareness of taking care of their own health. “Previously, many villages were located in remote areas. Local residents used to worship to prevent diseases, together with unhygienic eating … [Read more...] about Eradicating unsound customs among ethnic minority groups