Dynamics of the Gold Market in Lao PDR

Lao PDR is a landlocked country in South East Asia and a member of ASEAN

Lao PDR's natural resources – water, minerals and forests – contribute to one-third of its economy, while construction, services and tourism are its other main drivers of growth.

In particular, gold in Lao PDR is regarded as more stable than its national currency the kip, and it is often used as a store of wealth and to hedge against any depreciation of the kip. Most Lao families keep gold at home and wear them for special occasions or sell them for cash. Gold is also a very important part of marriage in Lao culture. The gold found in Lao PDR is usually better than 98% purity.

The production of gold is driving economic growth in Laos. Research suggests that the country still holds more than 1,000 tonnes of gold underground – worth an estimated US$100 billion.

Sepon is one of the main mines in Lao PDR and has long been known to locals as Muang Ang Kham, or “the valley of gold”, as Lao people have collecting gold dust from bomb fragments and plane wreckage around the region been since the early 1980s.

The country’s gold market is under strict control of the Lao PDR government. However, in December 2024, Lao PDR launched the region’s first dedicated gold bank – Lao Bullion Bank - a bold bid to draw tonnes of the precious yellow metal back into the formal financial system.

Find out more on Lao's gold mining sector with our sponsor GLM Lao at Asia Gold 2025 as they share on their exploration of gold and related minerals in Lao PDR.