The General Department of Mineral Resources is responsible for leading, managing, and developing work related to the economic planning of mineral resources, geological and mineral, industry mining, construction sand mining, construction stone mining, and inspection of mineral operations for compliance with the policies of the Royal Government and existing legal and regulatory frameworks. All functions are aligned with the vision of the Royal Government of Cambodia for the mining sector which is to “develop mineral resources for economic and social benefits by taking into account good governance and environmental responsibility”. This work is carried out through the following technical departments:
- Department of Mineral Resources Economic Planning
- Department of Geology and Minerals
- Department of Industrial Mining
- Department of Construction Stone Mining
- Department of Construction Sand Mining
- Department of Mineral Operation Inspection
The Department of Mineral Resources Economic Planning has the following responsibilities:
- Formulate policies, strategic plans, and economic plans for mineral resources.
- Analyse, monitor, supervise, and evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of policies, strategic plans, and economic plans for mineral resources.
- Promote and coordinate good governance in the mining sector among public institutions, the private sector, and civil society.
- Disseminate data on mineral resource potential and promote investment in the mining sector.
- Enhance the capacity of local communities in areas with mineral resource operations to access and benefit from economic opportunities.
- Manage, monitor, and compile non-tax revenue from the mining sector.
Administrative Services
The Department of Geology and Minerals is a government organization that serves as the central authority for geological and mineral resource information in the country. The Department is responsible for all aspects of geoscience, including geology, mineral resource information management, and laboratory work under the supervision of GDMR.
The department has the following responsibilities:
- Conducting research and studies in geological surveys, geoenvironmental issues, geohazards, geoconservation, and other geological fields.
Compiling basic mineral information through geological, geophysical, and geochemical mapping, as well as mineral prospecting.
Promoting cooperation in the field of geology and mineral resources with national and regional partners, development partners, international organizations, academic institutions, and research organizations.
Developing human resources and building capacity in geology and mineral-related fields.
Services:
Laboratory Services:
The Department of Industrial Mining is responsible for the following:
- Preparing, evaluating, and processing applications for the issuance, renewal, amendment, transferring, replacement of shareholders and/or replacement of company’s or enterprise’s managers prior to applying for the official amendment on the articles of incorporation; to suspend, confiscate, and to invalidate the mineral resource licenses for exploration and mining operations of industrial minerals and other types of minerals, except for construction minerals.
- Evaluating mine closure and rehabilitation plans.
- Managing the exportation and the importation of mineral resources and mineral products relating to metallic and non-metallic minerals.
- Contributing to the evaluation and comments on draft Environmental and Social Impacts Assessment reports.
- Promoting compliance with the laws, technical standards, and regulations in mineral resources operations.
- Enhancing the effectiveness of management and implementation of mineral resources operation plans.
- Strengthening the process of mineral production, exploitation, and trading.
- Managing and collecting non-fiscal income and ensuring compliance with financial obligations during mineral operations.
- Encouraging the exploration of new mineral deposits and mineral potential evaluation.
- Contributing to the determination of mineral resources zones and deposits.
- Managing mineral resources operations including exploration, mine development, mine exploitation, ore processing, mineral trading, and mine closure.
- Managing mineral resources operations including exploration, mine development, mine exploitation, ore processing, mineral trading, mine closure, and post-mining site rehabilitation.
Licensing Services
- Open Pits and Quarry Mining License for Supplying Industrial Factories
- Exploration License
- Industrial Mining License
- Gemstone Mining License
Administrative Service
The Department of Construction Stone Mining is responsible for the following:
- Organising, evaluating, and processing the granting, extension, modification, and transfer of rights; changes in shareholder composition; changes in company or enterprise management; and the suspension, revocation, and termination of mineral resource licenses for the exploration and exploitation of construction stone, dimension stone (including sandstone and marble), cut laterite, red earth (laterite), backfill sand, and topsoil for the construction sector.
- Evaluating mine closure and site rehabilitation plans.
- Managing the export of mineral resources and mineral products, and the import of mineral resources, excluding the sale, export, and import of precious metals and precious stones, both uncut and processed.
- Participate in evaluating and providing feedback on draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment reports.
- Manage and mobilize non-tax revenue collection and ensure compliance with financial obligations in the business of construction stone, dimension stone (including sandstone, marble), cut laterite, red earth (laterite), backfill sand, and topsoil.
- Examine and evaluate the potential volume of construction stone, dimension stone (including sandstone, marble), cut laterite, red earth (laterite), backfill sand, and topsoil, and the mineral resource utilization plan within the licensed area.
- Manage the exploitation of construction stone, dimension stone (including sandstone, marble), cut laterite, red earth (laterite), backfill sand, and topsoil, as well as the trade of mineral resources and mineral products, and site closure.
Licensing Services
Administrative Service
The Department of Construction Sand Mining issues and manages sand mining licenses for operation in rivers, creeks, lakes, streams and the sea. Its purpose is to serve the construction sector by supplying sand for both local and export needs. Furthermore, it aims to promote efficiency in mobilising non-tax revenues and financial obligations in accordance with the law.
Licensing Services
Administrative Service
The Department of Mineral Operation Inspection ensures that mining companies comply with technical and safety standards, prevent illegal mining activities, and resolve disputes within the mining sector. It monitors the opening and closing of mines and works with local authorities to manage small-scale mining operations. The department also collaborates with local authorities to shut down illegal mining and addresses reports from communities. Additionally, it handles disputes between mining companies and resolves issues related to illegal encroachment. Moreover, in accordance with regulations, the Department of Minerals Operation Inspection is responsible for the following:
- Conducting audits and inspections to ensure compliance with technical safety measures, health, working conditions, environmental and social safeguards in mineral resource operations, in accordance with laws, technical regulations, and various legal documents related to mineral resource operations.
- Monitoring and suppressing illegal and unlawful activities in the mineral sector through enforcement and cooperation in implementing laws and judicial procedures.
- Mediating and resolving disputes and conflicts related to mineral resource operations.