Amanta’s main focus is on Laos and the surrounding countries in the region, including Thailand and Vietnam.
LAOS
In the Lao PDR, the government actively promotes foreign investment in nearly all sectors, including mining. The minerals industry is governed by the Mining Act (1997), revised in December 2008. After successful exploration by Rio Tinto and development by Oxiana Ltd., the Sepon gold and copper mine was commissioned in 2001, marking the first modern mine in Laos. More recently, Pan Australian commissioned a copper-gold mine at Phu Bia and several exploration licence applications are presently under consideration by the government. The COW style investment agreements for these mines have been in force since the early 1990s and remain unchanged, indicative of a reliable and long-term investment climate.
Since changing to a market-based economic system, Laos has continued to recognise the importance of developing its mineral resources, including hydro power. Having no industrial base and limited arable land, the value of its mineral resources is increasingly recognised. Due to its recent history, Chinese and Vietnamese interests have enjoyed a significant advantage over western interests and the majority of minerals concessions and licences are held by companies from these countries, sometimes in conjunction with minority Lao partners.
In June 2008 Amanta signed an agreement with the Government of Laos to explore and evaluate a very prospective area of 200 km² in the north of the country, making it one of the very few foreign companies to date to be granted such a concession. To date, Amanta remains the sole Canadian (and 'western') concession holder. A number of junior western mining companies, mainly Australian, are attempting to secure concessions but, as of this time, none have been successful.
Additional Information: Laos - Mining Journal, July 2006
THAILAND
Thailand is a country with excellent mineral potential, although mining investment in the country had initially been slow to materialize due to the heavy emphasis on other sectors for economic development. However, Thai government policy with respect to mining has changed, reflecting an increasingly supportive role for the industry. Taxation and other incentives are available to investors in the industry.
Historically, Thailand has been one of the larger producers of tin, tungsten and precious stones. In 1996 royalty rates payable to the Government for gold projects was reduced from 10% to 2.5%, increasing interest in the gold sector. This has led to more exploration and in December 2001 resulted in the successful commissioning of the first modern gold mining operation in Thailand, Kingsgate Consolidated’s Chatree mine near Pichit. Another example is the Tungkam gold mine in Loei province, commissioned in 2006.
Recent revisions to the Mineral Act, the approval of the Padaeng zinc open-pit expansion as well as the issue of several Special Prospecting Licences, are strong evidence of government support for the emerging mining industry.
Additional Information: Thailand - BOI, 2009
