Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Cambodia’s burgeoning mining sector is projected to generate over $135.5 million in royalty revenue in 2025, marking a significant contribution to the nation’s economic and social development. This substantial figure, announced by Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rattanak, specifically accounts for royalties and does not include additional income from taxes, customs duties, and other levies that investing companies are required to pay.
Minister Keo Rattanak highlighted the crucial role of mining revenue in bolstering Cambodia’s national budget. Speaking at a mineral product exhibition held on February 14th at the Chaktomuk pedestrian area, he underscored the remarkable growth in the sector’s financial impact. Compared to a decade ago, specifically 2016, when revenue from the mining sector stood at just over $13 million, the projected $135.55 million for 2025 represents an impressive tenfold increase, demonstrating the sector’s expanding importance.
Among Cambodia’s various natural resources, gold production has emerged as a vital new source of national income. From 2021 to 2025, Cambodia successfully produced approximately 18 tons of gold from mining sites located across several provinces, including Mondulkiri, Preah Vihear, Kampong Thom, Ratanakiri, Kratie, and Battambang. Beyond precious metals, the extraction of construction stone and sand plays an equally critical role, ensuring a stable supply of materials at reasonable costs to support the nationwide development of infrastructure and various construction projects, both large and small.
Cambodian mineral products are not only fueling domestic growth but are also making their mark on the international stage. Minister Keo Rattanak affirmed that Cambodia’s mining output is exported to over 10 countries globally, including significant markets such as the United States, Canada, Australia, China, and Vietnam.
As one of the key institutions involved in managing and collecting mineral product royalties, Minister Keo Rattanak pledged the ministry’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that this national income is effectively integrated into the state budget. Furthermore, he emphasized that these funds would be utilized efficiently for the benefit of all Cambodian citizens. Indeed, the government strategically allocates revenue from mineral resources to vital sectors such as national defense, social affairs, education, and various infrastructure projects.
Illustrating the direct positive impact on communities, Minister Keo Rattanak elaborated that from 2015 to 2025, approximately $10 million from the dedicated mineral fund was allocated to implement 117 local community development projects. These initiatives included the construction of new schools, red gravel roads, concrete roads, bridges, irrigation systems, solar streetlights, community ponds, and water wells, significantly improving the quality of life in these areas.
Currently, investments in Cambodia’s mining sector total an estimated $2.89 billion, a substantial capital injection that has created approximately 12,139 jobs for the local workforce. Notably, Cambodian nationals fill 11,547 of these positions, accounting for about 95% of the total employment within the sector, showcasing the industry’s strong commitment to local employment and skill development.
