Also known as a people's diplomat

Mrs. Pham Thi Minh Huong (second from the left) receives the Honorary Medal from ICI International. (Photo: Board of Organisers, April 29, 2023)

WAJ: We have learnt some brief information about mining sites in Laos, there are estimated to be around 10 mines, and it has been noted that you’re the only female leader in the mining industry. What are the challenges facing a female leader in this industry?
- Chairwoman Pham Thi Minh Huong: Tough mountainous terrain makes mining minerals very challenging as opposed to urban areas or other industrial zones. Therefore, to be successful in this field, one must have passion, determination, confidence, and the strength of mind to overcome difficulties, like: Technical problems, human resource management, natural disasters, and many other objective challenges. Female leaders must have the same level of passion and strength as male counterparts to overcome these obstacles.
WAJ: What is the most memorable experience you have had in your career so far?
- Chairwoman Pham Thi Minh Huong: The most profound memory I have ever experienced in my career is actually quite amusing, although it may sound like I am pretending. Looking back, I was so hot-headed at the time, and if it happened now, I would choose a softer approach. It happened in 2015. After finishing my breakfast, I asked my lawyer what the upcoming work would be. Sitting two meters apart from each
other, we suddenly heard an explosion from a mine on the mountain behind the house, and a large rock fell on the roof where we were sitting and landed right between us. As for me, I was sitting on a bench at the time and maybe because I work in mining, I have a bit of courage like a man, so I asked: Who sets off a mine like this? If an accident happens, who can compensate for it; And so we all shouted out. Ten people went to put on the company, clothes and grab sticks to go inspect the area to see who caused such a big impact. If it was not done systematically and without caution, it could cause an accident. So, we all rushed up the mountain, and there were 20 people on their side who were running and throwing rocks down at us. Some of the rocks flew over my head, and the lawyer ran alongside me and pushed my head into his stomach, the rock luckily flew over our heads. My employees and I chased them, but we couldn't catch anyone. Finally, we caught someone by mistake, she was the sister-in-law of the supervisor in my company. About half an hour later, the team only brought back one person who was not wearing the company uniform. I asked him what his name was, I told him I couldn't remember all 200 of my team members, but I did remember the team captain when he told me he was the captain of that team, so we had caught the wrong person, but I thought it was better to be safe than sorry. I asked if they had caught anyone and he reported that they had all run up the hill and couldn't be caught. I told my team to just issue a warning, and that the higher-ups in the company should investigate why this had happened under the management of their supervisor. I instructed my team to identify the individuals involved in the incident and to stop them temporarily for the higher-ups to handle. That is a memory I will always remember, from the end of 2014 to the beginning of 2015.
WAJ: Through that accident, we could see the resilience of the woman. After a night of litigation, where did you find justice?
- Chairwoman Pham Thi Minh Huong: Afterwards, there were a few more incidents that occurred, due to disputes over the mining rights, from underground to the surface. The government ordered a complete halt of all mining and only allowed me to proceed, no longer permitting small-scale mining, only allowing a qualified unit with the ability to undertake the project, comply with tax obligations, and fix the exploration technology. The government granted me permission to carry out the project, and I fulfilled the licensing commitments, and completed the obligations that had not been properly fulfilled before, following the legal procedures for mining. Despite the difficulties, I saw that every point had a glimmer of justice, a small way for us to reach glory.

Mrs. Pham Thi Minh Huong, Head of VAG in Laos, delivered a speech at the Vietnam Ancestral Global Day 2023, with the direct and online participation of intellectuals, scientists, overseas Vietnamese, and international experts from nearly 50 countries worldwide. (Photo: Board of Organizers, April 29, 2023)

WAJ: Could you give me a brief history of the Sakai Gold Mining Company?
- Chairwoman Pham Thi Minh Huong: This mine was licensed in 2008, at which time Truong My Hoa was still serving as Vice President of Vietnam, and on the pretext of the friendship between Vietnam and Laos. It requires advanced technology for processing this multi-metallic ore, which is difficult to handle. After a period of work, I realized that the technology required was even higher and the ore resources were very
poor, resulting in a high cost. And the previous manager said he is getting older and must shoulder high responsibilities with the government. Therefore, I will take full responsibility for what has been signed between the two countries and I’m determined to develop this project to demonstrate the friendship between Vietnam and Laos.
WAJ: How long did it take to do the exploration of the first gold mining?

- Chairwoman Pham Thi Minh Huong: It took from 2017 to 2020 to complete the exploration because, typically, after exploration is completed, a report must be prepared and approved by the government, covering financial, economic, environmental impacts, and many other procedures. Therefore, the formal agreement with the government is for a 10-year mining period, and if there are still reserves left after 10 years, it can be extended. In March 2021, we officially began mining, and we had installed new equipment and also utilized some old equipment. We started producing gold in July, which is four months after the mining began. In Laos, we have Vietnamese New Year, Chinese New Year, and Lao New Year holidays. Therefore, the mining season usually lasts from nine to nine and a half months, but due to the rainy season, it may only last for nine months.
WAJ: What was the yield of the first gold mine? And how did you feel when you first discovered it?
- Chairwoman Pham Thi Minh Huong: The first batch of gold we tested only yielded 2 kgs, and the next batch was around 3 or 4 kgs. We were very happy and excited because we had succeeded with our technology. After many years of hardship, we are now proud and confident, and have since found more mines to produce from, without needing to worry about the technology.

Mr. Phông sặ vẳn Sỉ lị phăn, Secretary of the District Party Committee and Chairman of Sathong District, Sakai Village, Lao PDR (third from the right) with leaders visited The Sakai Gold Mining Company, Lao PDR (Photo: Provided by Mrs Huong)

WAJ: Do you believe in spiritual science? What have you done to compensate for the land that you have exploited?
- Chairwoman Pham Thi Minh Huong: I believe in spiritual science and the law of karma. Therefore, when I failed to fulfill this responsibility, it was because I used technology from Vietnam. So, I think that the gold mining technology needs to be further innovated and refined to achieve success. That's when I thought of our neighboring country, outside of Vietnam and Laos, which is China. Because this mine is small, I did not invite friends from Europe or Australia, only our Chinese friends to come together with a common goal. I think one tree does not make a forest, but three trees together can create a high mountain, and so three friends from three countries are united to do this project.

WAJ: We have also had discussions with several district leaders, and we have found that the Laos government sees the Sakai mining company as a model for mineral and resource exploitation, is this the case?

- Chairwoman Pham Thi Minh Huong: During the recent period, the Ministry of Natural Resources and several departments have been significantly inspected, because our environmental permits are renewed every two years. Each renewal involves dozens of departments and agencies coming down to ensure that we meet environmental standards. We ensure proper waste management, including both solid and liquid waste. We used treated water to either release fish or use it for irrigation. We level the ground as we excavate, ensuring that we backfill the soil in the same area. We cultivate fruit-bearing and fast-growing timber trees that can be harvested within 3 to 5 years. We also undertake the restoration of golf yards, sports fields, and parks for leisure activities. We initiate environmental restoration immediately, even before completing the 5-10-year project. For example, if a project is planned for 10 years, we would conduct 9 years of exploitation and dedicate one year to environmental restoration. However, currently, we restore the environment simultaneously with our mining activities. The Ministry of Environment and other government agencies highly appreciate our approach.Throughout the working process, both government departments and local communities have been very supportive of our efforts. We are deeply grateful to the government departments for their support in successfully completing this project.

WAJ: We have also had discussions with several district leaders, and we have found that the Laos government sees the Sakai mining company as a model for mineral and resource exploitation, is this the case?
- Chairwoman Pham Thi Minh Huong: During the recent period, the Ministry of Natural Resources and several departments have been significantly inspected, because our environmental permits are renewed every two years. Each renewal involves dozens of departments and agencies coming down to ensure that we meet environmental standards. We ensure proper waste management, including both solid and liquid waste. We used treated water to either release fish or use it for irrigation. We level the ground as we excavate, ensuring that we backfill the soil in the same area. We cultivate fruit-bearing and fast-growing timber trees that can be harvested within 3 to 5 years. We also undertake the restoration of golf yards, sports fields, and parks for leisure activities. We initiate environmental restoration immediately, even before completing the 5-10-year project. For example, if a project is planned for 10 years, we would conduct 9 years of exploitation and dedicate one year to environmental restoration. However, currently, we restore the environment simultaneously with our mining activities. The Ministry of Environment and other government agencies highly appreciate our approach. Throughout the working process, both government departments and local communities have been very supportive of our efforts. We are deeply grateful to the government departments for their support in successfully completing this project.
WAJ: We want to mention an unfortunate story, but perhaps that is the step that pushed you forward to be as successful as you are now. You went bankrupt whilst mining tin minerals in Vietnam, so what are the lessons learned, rules, and laws that you set for your life and journey in Laos?

- Chairwoman Pham Thi Minh Huong: I was also very successful in Vietnam and proud of my achievements. In early 2016, the Prime Minister of Laos even visited our tin mining site. I thought that was a smooth path to continue, contributing taxes to the state. However, by the end of 2016, there were changes in tax policies. We were no longer eligible for tax refunds, and the input source for tin production was restricted. The reduction in mining activities led to a decrease in the supply of raw materials, resulting in our tin workshop facing difficulties, accumulating tax debts, and eventually going bankrupt, including myself. After such an experience, I realized that I could not do it alone. I joined friends as well as experts to gain more experience, then we moved to Laos to start all over again and the gold industry was also the first industry. Many people asked me which geological university I graduated from and I replied that I didn't go to any school, I just had a natural ability and passion and I just hit it if it seemed like gold. Experts from China and then the Shandong gold company also had the same question, but I said I did not go to any school, just the experience school. They were very excited and said it was strange. I just said there are strange things and I don't even know who I am. After I got here, I realized that I had fallen once, so I had to get up. I decided to combine the three techniques of Laos, Vietnam, and China. The first is the connection in economic development, then the technology, and peaceful diplomacy, friendship between countries and businesses.

Mrs. Pham Thi Minh Huong and a delegation of Vietnamese overseas intellectuals, scientists, and entrepreneurs visited their homeland and met with Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha at the Government Office of Vietnam (Photo: WAJ, May 31, 2023)

WAJ: How much is the estimated annual reserve ?
- Chairwoman Pham Thi Minh Huong: Only a few dozen kilograms a year, 9 out of 10 years of exploitation, the output is only half a ton because we only drill for preliminary exploration. A few years later we will add more exploration drilling so that there are more reserves underground. We will have to submit to the Government that we wish to drill deeper than water. In the immediate future, we will stabilize production, fulfill annual tax obligations of nearly 1million USD, and this mine will take advantage of the capital. We do whatever we sign
with the government. Later, at the end of the contract, there may be more exploitation to do as we cannot predict what happens underground.
WAJ: As far as we know, the predecessor of Sakai Mining Co, Ltd. was to show the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, but now you’ve encountered difficulties as you’ve shared. The former leader has decided to stop and you decided to keep going. Why are you so determined?
- Chairwoman Pham Thi Minh Huong: I think I have been attached to industrial minerals already, and I have failed once. I am still young so it would feel like a waste to stop everything. I want to do something to contribute to the country, society and the community. I made up my mind to switch from iron and tin to gold and I did, overcoming all obstacles. When I can do it, I have proven to the government of Laos and Vietnam that the friendship between the two countries has granted this project; although it is small, it has been very successful. After all this I’ve found my passion, which is dedication, dedication, and more confidence to dedicate. I am confident that I have succeeded in the field of technology and fulfilled all assigned obligations.

Mrs. Pham Thi Minh Huong and a delegation of Vietnamese overseas entrepreneurs visited Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the Government Office of Lao PDR (Photo: Provided by Mrs Huong)

WAJ: After what you have shared, we are envisioning an international connection reporter, also known as a people's diplomat. What do you think about this?
- Chairwoman Pham Thi Minh Huong: Depending on Mrs. Bich Yen, depending on what people call me, I know that. I myself only know how to dedicate myself to doing the best I can. I only know to show that I am a good citizen, which is why whether in Vietnam or abroad, I still have to contribute my best to build a successful career and devote myself to society and the country.
Thank you so much!

Dr. Yen Platz (Representative of WAJ at the United Nations in Vienna)