2024 China Potash (Fertilizer) Industry Chain Development Conference — Overseas Session Held Successfully in Vientiane, Laos
On November 3, 2024, the China Potash (Fertilizer) Industry Chain Development Conference — Overseas Session, co-hosted by the China Chemical Enterprise Management Association and the Lao-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and co-organized by Ruiyuan Richfield Sylvine Co., Ltd., officially commenced in Vientiane, Laos.
The event gathered esteemed officials, including Dr. Chansavang Bounyong, Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines of Laos; Han Ye, Representative of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Laos; Dr. Bouavanh Souvannasy, Director of the Department of Planning and Investment of Vientiane; Yaobin, President of the Lao-Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Soukkaseum Silimoungkhoun, Chairman of Ruiyuan Richfield; and Li Yunwen, Chairman of Sino-Lao Mining. Approximately 200 attendees participated, including representatives from Lao government agencies, industry experts, and delegates from potash enterprises and associations in China and Laos.
Opening Session Highlights
President of the Lao-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Yao Bin, emphasized the strategic significance of Laos’ abundant potash resources for both the national economy and global food security. To advance sustainable development, the Lao-Chinese Chamber of Commerce announced the formation of Lao Potash Association, appointing Soukkaseum Silimoungkhoun as its president and forming a preparatory committee for the inaugural members’ conference in 2025.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines of Laos, Dr. Chansavang Bounyong, provided an overview of the current status and future plans for potash development in Laos, highlighting ongoing projects across Vientiane, Khammouane, and Savannakhet. He underscored the importance of green, environmentally-friendly mining practices and the potential for diversifying potash applications, such as NPK compound fertilizers and bromine production.
Director of the Department of Planning and Investment of Vientiane, Dr. Bouavanh Souvannasy, further noted the critical role of potash as a raw material in agriculture and industry. She commended the conference for fostering collaboration and exploring innovative technologies to unlock new growth opportunities for Laos’ potash industry.
Technical Focus and Collaboration
Chairman of Ruiyuan Richfield, President of Lao Potash Association, Soukkaseum Silimoungkhoun, highlighted Ruiyuan Richfield’s unique mining and environmental management practices, which have positioned the company as a leader in the industry. He emphasized the conference’s role in facilitating technical discussions on cutting-edge technologies, including:
• High-efficiency mining and tailings utilization;
• Green agriculture practices and high-value material production;
• Advanced corrosion-proofing methods for mining equipment;
• Innovations in carnallite processing and new local markets for potash fertilizers.
On-Site Visits
On November 4, delegates visited Ruiyuan Richfield’s facilities to observe its mining and processing operations, green technologies, and advanced production equipment. As a prominent representative of Laos’ potash sector, Ruiyuan Richfield demonstrated its commitment to sustainable practices and industry leadership.
Outcome and Future Directions
The conference reinforced the alignment of policy, technology, and partnerships in driving the green development of Laos’ potash resources. Participants unanimously agreed on the importance of resource integration, technical innovation, and collaborative efforts to unlock the full potential of Laos’ potash reserves. These initiatives are expected to enhance the competitiveness of Laos in the global market and contribute to the sustainable growth of the regional economy.
The event concluded with optimism for the strengthened China-Laos collaboration, laying a robust foundation for future projects and mutual development in the potash sector.
