Sengpasith Houngaloune, Ph.D.

Managing Director, ESL Sole Co., Ltd. | Environmental and Social Specialist

 Dr. Sengpasith Houngaloune is a Sustainable Resources Development Specialist with over a decade of expertise in environmental and social consulting. As Managing Director of ESL Sole Co., Ltd., he has led numerous projects in hydropower, mining, and urban development, specializing in Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), Health Impact Assessments (HIA), and feasibility studies. His technical knowledge extends to toxic and hazardous waste management, artisanal and small-scale gold mining, and innovative separation technologies for metal recovery.

 With a Ph.D. in Sustainable Resources Engineering from Hokkaido University, Japan, Dr. Sengpasith has successfully collaborated with international organizations such as the GIZ, USAID, UNEP, WWF, SNV, EPF, and JICA, along with major corporations like Phu Bia Mining and CEWA Energy. His ability to manage multidisciplinary teams has ensured the timely delivery of high-quality outcomes that meet global standards. His work includes leading biodiversity and socio-economic surveys and providing actionable solutions to support sustainable development.

 Fluent in Lao and English, Dr. Sengpasith combines technical expertise with a collaborative approach, making him a trusted partner for clients and stakeholders. His commitment to sustainability and innovative problem-solving continues to drive impactful contributions to Laos’ development and beyond.

 Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sustainable Resources Engineering, Hokkaido University, Japan (2012–2015)
  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (2008–2010)
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, National University of Laos, Lao PDR (2003–2008)

Additional Training

  • ASEAN Science and Technology Fellowship Workshop, Bali, Indonesia (2019)
  • Strategic Innovation & Entrepreneurship Seminar, San Diego, USA (2018)
  • Low-Carbon Integrated Solid Waste Management Workshop, Jeju-do, South Korea (2018)

Key Expertise

  • Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA): Extensive experience in managing, supervising, and delivering ESIAs across various sectors, including mining, hydropower, and urban infrastructure.
  • Project Management: Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee complex projects, and ensure timely delivery of project outputs.
  • Waste Management: Expertise in solid and hazardous waste management, wastewater treatment, and circular economy practices.
  • Feasibility Studies: In-depth knowledge of feasibility study preparation for mining, smelting plants, and large-scale development projects.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Skilled in conducting baseline studies, socioeconomic surveys, and delivering actionable insights.
  • Technical Tools: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, MapInfo, AutoCAD, and SketchUp.

Professional Experience

Managing Director, ESL Sole Co., Ltd. (2019–Present)

    • Leads the overall operations of a renowned environmental and social consulting firm in Laos.
    • Oversees project planning, stakeholder engagement, technical delivery, and client relations.

Lecturer/Researcher, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Laos (2015–2023)

    • Delivered lectures on sustainable engineering practices and conducted impactful research in resource management and environmental studies.

External Consultant, UNDP Minamata Initial Assessment Project (2019)

    • Played a pivotal role in evaluating the environmental impact of artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Laos.

Fulbright Visiting Researcher, Montana Tech, USA (2018)

    • Conducted research on sustainable mining practices and cleaner mineral processing technologies.

Graduate Researcher, Hokkaido University, Japan (2012–2015)

    • Investigated innovative solutions for resource extraction and waste minimization in the mining industry.

Highlighted Projects

  • Sepon Far Western Prospects Project (2024) – Lane Xang Minerals Limited
  • Luang Prabang Hydroelectric Transmission Line Biodiversity Survey (2024) – AFRY
  • Household Income Survey for Milestone Effective Date +10 years (2024), +8 years (2022), +6 years (2020) – Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Power Company Limited (PNPC)
  • Green Climate Fund Microproject (2023) – Environment Protection Fund Office (EFP)
  • Municipal Solid Waste Management Profiles Consolidation (2023) – WWF
  • Feasibility Study on Ecolabel Development in Lao PDR (2022-2023) – GIZ Laos
  • Phu Kham and Ban Houayxai Operations Socio-Economic and Health Survey Xaysomboun Province, Lao PDR (2022) – PhuBia Mining
  • Data Collection and Preparation of Action Plan on Toxic and Hazardous Waste Management in Lao PDR (2022) – Environment Protection Fund (EPF)
  • Health Impact Assessment (HIA) for Sun Paper Holding Lao (2021), Sewer and Wastewater Treatment Project (2022)
  • Review of ESIA Report of the Phou Ngoy Hydropower Project (2021) – CEWA Co., Ltd.
  • Mine Closure Plan Document Preparation for Kaleum Coal Mine Development (2020) – PSG
  • Feasibility Studies for several Smelting and Cement Plants (2019–2020)

Achievements

  • Successfully managed over 50 environmental and social consulting projects across diverse sectors.
  • Delivered key insights and policy recommendations for sustainable development in Laos.
  • Actively contributed to national and international dialogues on low-carbon development, resource sustainability, and circular economy practices.