Inter-Ministerial Committee Evaluates Environmental Impact of 147-Hectare Sand Mining Project in Koh Kong

• Sommana Yan
• 22 August 2025
• Local News
• 1943 Views

In a significant step towards sustainable resource management, an inter-ministerial committee comprising representatives from various government ministries and institutions convened on August 20, 2025, at the Ministry of Environment. The committee met to assess the environmental implications of a proposed 147-hectare sand mining project along the Prek Koh Por River in Pak Khlong Commune, Mondul Seima District.

During the meeting, HE Tea Choup, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Environment, emphasized the importance of a thorough review process. He stated that the committee examined the full environmental impact assessment (EIA) report prepared for the project, owned by CATALYST MARINE and RESOURCES (CAMBODIA) CO., LTD. The consulting firm, SAFEGUARD MANAGEMENT AND CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD., conducted the necessary evaluations.

The committee’s discussions included in-depth comments and suggestions aimed at mitigating the project’s potential impacts on local ecosystems and communities. Members actively sought ways to protect physical, biological, and socio-economic resources while promoting sustainable development in the region.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy has previously reported that there are currently three licensed sand mining companies operating in Cambodia. The country is projected to earn over USD 40 million in royalties and export taxes from sand mining activities in 2023, with more than 10 million tons of sand extracted. (Read more)

As stakeholders continue to weigh the economic benefits against environmental responsibilities, the outcomes of this inter-ministerial review will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sand mining in Cambodia.

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• land development and policy