Minister of MME Champions Sustainable Practices in Issuing Mining Licenses

• 11 November 2023
• Local News
• 2043 Views

The Ministry of Mines and Energy has declared its commitment to prioritising environmental conservation principles before issuing mining licenses to private companies. During a recent meeting with stakeholders in the mining sector, HE Keo Rattanak, the Minister of Mines and Energy, emphasised the ministry’s stand to strike a delicate balance between conservation efforts and industrial development.

HE Keo Rattanak underscored the importance of upholding environmental standards, royalties, and tax compliance even within Cambodia’s free-market economy. He articulated, “I do not want to see all the mountains scattered because all the mountains have historical value, some mountains have cultural value, some mountains have ecological tourism.”

To ensure the implementation of these conservation principles, the minister assigned the General Department of Mines to collaborate with the Department of Mines and Energy, as well as the Department of Culture and Fine Arts and the Department of Tourism, in overseeing mountain conservation initiatives across Cambodia.

This strategic decision aligns with the broader vision of creating a sustainable and ecologically responsible mining sector. The ministry’s commitment to safeguarding natural landscapes reflects a holistic approach, fostering a balance between economic progress and environmental preservation.

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