CHRISTOPHER GOSS
Chairman of the Board
Christopher, minerals financier & economist, ran business development for natural resources for the IFC (International Finance Corporation) out of London office from 2006-2010, IFC is private sector arm of the World Bank Group, and is a major private sector investor in mining in emerging markets. Earlier he led IFC mining transactions in Africa, Russia, Central Asia and and Latin America. Prior, he advised African governments in natural resource policy and, negotiations in Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique and Swaziland. From 2010—2017 he was on the board of and latterly Non Executive Chairman of Triple Plate Junction, now Tethyan Resources, which was listed on AIM in London.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
The only active project is Sokdee where we have been implementing initial community projects.
Since February 2022, Annamite has employed casual labour from Namthom and Navay villages, to perform such tasks as soil sampling, core cutting and sampling, housekeeping, and general maintenance.
01
Repair of the Bridge over the Nam Ton River
Annamite donated in April 2022 US$2,000 towards the repair of the bridge over the Nam Ton River between Souanmone and Namthom villages. The Namthom village chief later presented a certificate of recognition of LHBS – Annamite support.
02
Toilets for students at the Namthom Elementary School
Annamite/LHBS is providing during September - December 2022 an additional $3,000 towards the construction of two new toilets for students at the Namthom elementary school.
03
Solid Waste Management
A new project will commence in November 2023 by LHBS/Annamite Resources is related to solid waste management in Namthom, Mouk, Souamone and Navai Villages.
The initial cost estimate is $20,000, currently being assessed and discussed. An initial study has started in April 2023.
04
Activewear and Sports Equipment for Students at Naxam School
Annamite/LHBS provided in March 2023 activewear and sports equipment to the Naxam Elementary and Secondary School worth US$500.
Students attending the Naxam School come from the villages around the Sokdee Concession.
05
Causeway Restoration in Namthom Village
The restoration of the causeway west of Namthom Village within the Sokdee Project exploration area is a crucial infrastructure endeavor. This project holds immense significance as it tackles the urgent problem of erosion, which hampers access during the monsoon season.
Moreover, it places a strong emphasis on ensuring the safety of both the local villagers and the exploration team. Despite the formidable challenges presented by the rainy season, Annamite's dedication to this initiative stands resolute and unwavering.
Annamite/LHBS contributed in 2022 a total of US$6,000 for community development in Namthom village. In 2023 we plan to spend around $22,000.
It is beyond and above what LHBS must contribute to the three (5) funds per the Concession Agreement signed in 2010. The company must contribute US$5,000 per year to each of the following funds:
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Project Management Fund;
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Government Training Fund;
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Local Development Fund (village and district);
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Social Development Fund (province); and
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Environmental Protection Fund.
In addition, LHBS/Sokdee must pay “land rent” at various stage of the project development. It is per square kilometre US$200 during exploration and US$300 during feasibility.
In addition to implementing all the actions mentioned above, Annamite needs to develop three key documents in the coming month:
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Community Development Strategy;
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Land Access Strategy, in particular for the rubber plantations; and
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Environmental and social baseline data requirements in order to have the foundation for assessing impacts when preparing Scoping Report and Pre-feasibility Study, ahead of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) required by Lao regulations and the Equator Principles/ IFC Performance Standards.
06
Maintained Road to Community Fields
During Laos' rainy season (May to October), rural areas often face challenges such as inadequate drainage and uneven road surfaces, making travel hazardous for our operating teams and especially difficult for local residents with limited transportation options.
Improving road infrastructure not only enhances connectivity and mobility for our exploration team but also benefits the local economy. By upgrading roads, we can reduce transportation costs for residents and improve access to markets for agricultural products, thereby supporting economic activities in the area.
07
Donated Educational Tools and Sports Equipment
The Vientiane Capital Team, in collaboration with the Ban Navay Exploration Team and expatriates from Thailand and the Philippines, united with the objective of bringing joy and support to the pupils of Ban Navay Elementary School.
Their collective effort aimed to enhance the educational experience and well-being of the students by generously donating essential items such as clothing, educational materials, and sports equipment. This initiative sought to foster a positive learning environment and promote physical activity among the school's children, aiming to contribute positively to their overall development and academic journey.
08
Donated Printing Equipment for Mouk Village
As part of our commitment to community development, the Exploration Company is donating printing equipment to Mouk Village. This initiative aims to empower local residents by providing them with tools to enhance communication, education, and administrative capabilities within the village.
The printing equipment will support various community activities such as disseminating information, improving access to educational resources, and facilitating local administrative tasks. This contribution is intended to promote self-sufficiency, knowledge sharing, and sustainable development in Mouk Village, fostering a stronger and more resilient community for the future.
09
First Aid Training Course for Villagers and Teachers
To bolster community resilience and safety awareness, Annamite Resources hosted a comprehensive First Aid training course for villagers and schools in Ban Navay.
This initiative aims to equip participants with vital life-saving skills, ensuring they are prepared to respond effectively to medical emergencies. By providing essential knowledge and practical skills, we aim to minimize the impact of such incidents and potentially save lives.
10
English Class for Local Students
Annamite Resources is proud to introduce a new initiative: English classes designed specifically for local students.
By focusing on improving English proficiency, our goal is to equip the youth of our community with the tools they need for effective communication on a global scale. This initiative is not just about learning a language; it's about empowering individuals to confidently engage in a interconnected world, fostering greater understanding and collaboration.