Mr. Khampha Phommakaysone
Senior Advisor Lao PDR, Rare Earth and Critical Minerals Member, USVN Advisory Board
Khampha Phommakaysone is a geological exploration engineer with nearly 35 years of experience in geology, mineral resources management and natural resource governance in Lao PDR. He trained as a Geological Exploration Engineer at Hanoi University of Mining and Geology.
He served as Director General of the Department of Geology and Mines of Lao PDR from 2013 to 2021, after six years as its Deputy Director General (2007-2013). He began his career with the Department in 1986 as a geological and exploration engineer. Over that time he directed national geological survey, mineral exploration and resource assessment programs. He also contributed to Lao PDR’s national strategy for mineral resources and geological mapping, and led international cooperation in the sector. He works in Lao, Vietnamese and English.
On the USVN Advisory Board, Mr. Khampha advises on rare earth and critical minerals opportunities in Lao PDR. His work covers:
evaluation of mining opportunities, and geological and technical advice;
the Lao minerals, licensing and concession framework;
identifying mining, refining and offtake opportunities;
supporting USVN’s negotiations with counterparties in Lao PDR.
