Government Decree No.246 on Community Development Funds from Mineral Businesses.

This Government Decree establishes the principles and regulations for managing and monitoring community development funds contributed by mining and mineral businesses in the Lao PDR. It aims to ensure that the extraction of natural resources leads to tangible social and economic improvements for local populations residing near mining concessions while promoting corporate social responsibility.
The Government Decree mandates that mining enterprises allocate specific financial contributions toward local infrastructure, education, health, and vocational training projects. It outlines a structured governance framework where funds are negotiated and managed through collaboration between the private sector and government authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in spending.
Specifically, the Government Decree defines the tiered responsibilities of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, provincial authorities, and district-level offices in overseeing fund implementation. It requires regular reporting on fund usage and empowers local energy and mines offices to lead negotiations with companies to ensure that community needs are prioritized and projects are completed as agreed.