In mid-2016 MMG LXML Sepon mine in Lao PDR held its first ever Family Day for employees, contractors, families and local Vilabouly communities. The two-day event was designed to strengthen engagement with local community members and embed safety as a value beyond the mining environment.

It was organised by volunteers from all departments and led by the Mou-Tuen-Mou (Friends Alert Friends) safety workgroup. More than 1,000 people attended and many of them were young children, who enjoyed participating in a range of activities.

Children experienced learning to drive using the trainer simulator. The hazards of the mine pits were explained using visual aids and presentations. The mine’s 40-tonne articulated dump truck was on display, and visitors were educated about the danger of blind spots and the importance of an exclusion zone to staying safe on site.

The crowd also viewed a live performance of ‘Brave to Alert’ stories by a group of local school students. These stories encouraged everyone to be brave, to care for each other and to act safely. The event was positively received by district and community representatives.

Pictured: Children from Vilabouly participated in various activities at Sepon’s Family Day.