High-grade supergene enriched and exotic copper deposits in the Sepon Mineral District, Lao PDR.

Oxiana's Sepon copper-gold deposits are located in the Savannakhet province of south-eastern Lao PDR. The district contained 2 000 000 tonnes copper and 5 000 000 oz gold before mining started in 2004. The largest deposit is Khanong, and recent discoveries have been made at Thengkham South, Thengkham North and Phabing. The bulk of the resources currently being mined are high grade chalcocite enriched zones up to 50 m thick. They were formed when large tonnage, low grade skarn and carbonate replacement massive sulphide mineralisation was upgraded by exhumation and supergene weathering. The most significant deposits and their copper mineralisation are described, and a genetic model for their formation presented.
Oxiana's Sepon copper-gold deposits are located in the Savannakhet province of south-eastern Lao PDR. The district contained 2 000 000 tonnes copper and 5 000 000 oz gold before mining started in 2004. The largest deposit is Khanong, and recent discoveries have been made at Thengkham South, Thengkham North and Phabing. The bulk of the resources currently being mined are high grade chalcocite enriched zones up to 50 m thick. They were formed when large tonnage, low grade skarn and carbonate replacement massive sulphide mineralisation was upgraded by exhumation and supergene weathering. The most significant deposits and their copper mineralisation are described, and a genetic model for their formation presented.