Preah Vihear: A Northern Hub of Mineral Abundance and Sustainable Agriculture

• Proeksa Meas
• 28 July 2026
• Construction Focus
• 170 Views

Preah Vihear province is rapidly establishing itself as a vital economic engine in northern Cambodia, boasting a unique blend of heavy industrial potential and rich agricultural heritage. During a high-profile meeting on July 10, 2026, Provincial Governor Kim Rithy presented a comprehensive development report to Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, who was visiting local councils, district administrators, and provincial department heads. The administrative review highlighted the province’s extraordinary natural resources, which are currently driving substantial private sector investments across multiple industries.

Encompassing more than 13,000 square kilometers along Cambodia’s northern border, Preah Vihear is administratively structured into one city, seven districts, 49 communes, two sangkats, and 232 villages. The province is highly celebrated for its immense natural forests and cultural treasures, including two iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites, the historic Preah Vihear Temple and the ancient Koh Ker Temple complex. However, beyond its rich history, the region’s underground geological wealth is now taking center stage as a key driver of national industrial growth.

The province is home to three major types of high-value mineral resources, specifically gold, iron, and various base metals. Currently, 13 specialized companies have secured formal government licenses to explore and develop these mineral deposits. In detail, the mining sector is divided into two main categories, including five mineral resource licenses held by three distinct companies, alongside 12 active mining and quarrying licenses operated by ten different companies. This structured industrial framework ensures that Preah Vihear’s mineral reserves are extracted in accordance with national regulations while creating skilled local jobs and strengthening the regional economy.

Alongside its booming industrial sector, Preah Vihear continues to serve as a powerhouse for sustainable Cambodian agriculture. The local economy relies heavily on farming, with a strong focus on organic rice production. To support local smallholders, the provincial administration has successfully organized 47 agricultural cooperatives into contract farming networks, enabling them to secure direct buying agreements with nine major processing and exporting companies. This collaborative network guarantees fair pricing for farmers while meeting the growing international demand for premium, certified organic agricultural goods.

Beyond rice, the province features massive cultivation areas dedicated to several strategic cash crops. Local farmers and 15 large economic land concession companies actively manage vast plantations across the territory. These include approximately 30,000 hectares of cashew nut plantations, 40,000 hectares of cassava fields, 30,000 hectares of rubber plantations, and roughly 8,000 hectares of mango orchards. This diversified agricultural output, paired with strong corporate backing, positions Preah Vihear as an exceptionally secure and highly attractive frontier for agro-industrial investments. (read more)

• Mineral
• Preah Vihear