The Kingdom of Cambodia continues to make steady progress in the development of its mining sector, with gold extraction emerging as an important area of growth. Recent developments in Mondulkiri province highlight the country’s increasing capacity in responsible mineral resource management and employment generation.
A central contributor to this growth is the Okvau Gold Project, located in Keo Seima district and operated by Renaissance Minerals (Cambodia) Ltd, a subsidiary of Australia’s Emerald Resources NL. Since the project began commercial production in 2021, it has contributed significantly to national revenues and created local employment opportunities, reflecting the government's vision of leveraging natural resources for sustainable economic development.
The project has refined approximately 14,995 kilograms of gold to date, with an ongoing monthly extraction capacity of 300 to 400 kilograms. As part of the broader effort to attract responsible investment, the Ministry continues to support companies that meet environmental, technical, and safety standards. While over 20 companies have invested in gold exploration, seven have moved into production phases, demonstrating the sector’s potential and the challenges associated with developing complex mining operations.
The Okvau Gold Project has also become a notable source of local employment. The company currently employs close to 700 Cambodian staff across its operations, including skilled roles in mining engineering, metallurgy, geology, and plant operations. Training and internship programmes in partnership with local institutions are also helping to build technical capacity within the country’s workforce.
In line with its long-term objectives, the company has initiated exploration in other provinces. A three-year mineral exploration permit was granted for an area in Memot district, Tboung Khmum province, where additional drilling and resource assessments are underway. This aligns with the Ministry’s strategy to support exploration in provinces such as Kratie, Kampong Thom, Oddar Meanchey, Kampot, and Battambang, which also show promising mineral potential.
Looking forward, the Ministry remains committed to promoting a well-regulated, transparent, and environmentally responsible mining industry. Provincial authorities continue to work closely with stakeholders to prevent illegal mining and ensure that all operations comply with national laws and environmental guidelines.
While the sector presents growth opportunities, mining remains an industry that requires careful oversight and risk management. Continued investment in infrastructure, human capital, and environmental protection will be essential as Cambodia develops its mineral resources for long-term national benefit.