Mine exploration licenses open for public bidding

• 26 March 2020
• Local News
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The Ministry of Mines and Energy announced it will open applications for public bidding on mine exploration licenses in four areas.

According to an announcement dated 23 March, the four areas cumulatively cover 794 square km in the provinces of Preah Vihear (One-area), Oddor Meanchey (One-area) and Mondulkiri (Two-areas).

The ministry stated that local and international companies can apply for the mine exploration licenses from the date of announcement until 30 April 2020. The results of those companies awarded licenses will be announced publicly after the relevant procedures have been completed.

Yos Monirath, Director-General of Mines and spokesman at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, said that two areas in Preah Vihear and Oddor Meanchey provinces are for exploration for copper and two other areas in Mondulkiri province are for gold exploration.

“Opening new areas is for new companies and companies that have already mine exploration licenses in other areas to apply for exploring mines in the new areas,” said Monirath.

Currently, 39 exploration mine licenses have been issued to private companies to conduct exploration in Cambodia.

With exploration license being issued, there have also been illegal exploring activities undertaken by local people, according to Mr Yos.

Non-taxed revenue from the mining sector was about US$20 million in 2019, a year-on-year increase of 18%.

Renaissance Minerals (Cambodia), a subsidiary of Emerald Resources NL, received an Industrial Mining License in 2018 and is scheduled to start mining gold in Keo Seima district, Mondulkiri province soon.

• Business and Market
• Energy and Environment