Minerals Resources

Cambodia’s mining sector is regulated by the Law on Mineral Resource Management and Exploitation (2001, amended in 2018), supported by a range of Sub-Decrees and Prakas that provide further implementation guidelines. In 2019, the government endorsed the National Policy on Mineral Resources 2018–2028, which aimed to enhance governance, promote sustainable resource management, increase government revenues, safeguard the environment, and improve transparency within the sector. The Ministry of Mines and Energy serves as the principal authority responsible for the issuance of licenses, oversight, and inspection of mining activities. There are six categories of mining licenses available: Artisanal Mining Licenses (Khmer nationals using basic tools), Pits and Quarries Mining Licenses (for construction materials), Gem-Stone Mining Licenses, Mineral Transforming Licenses, Exploration Licenses, and Industrial Mining Licenses (for larger-scale commercial extraction). Licensees are required to remit royalties on extracted minerals as well as all applicable taxes, typically ranging from 3 percent to 15 percent of the production value depending on the mineral type.

The mining sector in Cambodia has experienced consistent growth, generating close to $100 million in non-tax revenue, representing nearly an 80 percent increase compared to 2023. Minerals in the country are classified into five main categories: construction materials, industrial minerals, metallic minerals, solid fuel minerals (including coal), and precious stones. Notably, the export of crushed stone and silica sand is currently banned. Other minerals, subject to availability, are permitted for export based on market or negotiation, while certain metallic minerals—such as gold, iron, and manganese—can be exported as crude ore or semi-processed products. The ministry is actively undertaking further research into additional metallic and non-metallic mineral resources and continues to welcome investment from all countries across all mineral types. To date, only preliminary geological surveys have been conducted, which have identified several provinces with potential critical mineral resources. However, n

Opportunities

Limited opportunities exist in gold exploration, geological surveys, and the sale of mining equipment. Equipment purchases are typically made by developers or license holders. Regulatory processes in the sector remain complex, and certain areas are heavily influenced by Chinese companies.

Resources: Ministry of Mines and Energy