PHNOM PENH: More than US$9 million from the Mineral Fund has been spent — or has been earmarked for — building over 100 local infrastructure projects during the past decade.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy announced on August 28 that as of July 2025, the fund has been used to support 99 local infrastructure projects nationwide, costing about US$6.5 million.
The ministry added that an additional 31 projects are planned for implementation in the second half of this year, with an additional US$2.6 million in funding. The ministry described this as a success in using the fund to support community development.
The ministry is charged with administrating the fund, which is made up of contributions from the fees and revenues collecting from mining companies and traders.
It pledged to continue managing and using the Mineral Fund “effectively and transparently”, with the aim of contributing to local infrastructure development in areas with mining investments.
The ministry explained that mined construction minerals have played a crucial role in supplying raw materials — such as stone, gravel, sand and laterite — for roads, electricity, ports, airports, bridges, hydropower dams, irrigation systems and other infrastructure projects across the Kingdom.
Cement, which was exclusively imported in the 2000s, is now produced domestically, with surplus output even being exported. In addition, the international-level gold mining industry began to emerge in 2021, under the National Mineral Resource Policy.
Before 1998, Cambodia was unable to develop its mineral resources because of the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge regime and civil war. After 1998, mining began to develop notably, though it remains a relatively young industry. Cambodia has worked to attract investors, generating significant new revenue.
The ministry continued that with this rapid progress in the mining sector, in 2015 under the wise leadership of Hun Sen, the ministry began placing greater focus on benefits for local communities affected by mining projects.
Alongside national development programmes, the ministry created the Mineral Fund for Supporting Local Community Development, initiated under then-minister Suy Sem. The fund has been used transparently to support local infrastructure in mining investment areas.
The ministry emphasised that under Prime Minister Hun Manet’s leadership, Cambodia has enjoyed political stability, strong security and improving living standards. The prime minister has instructed the ministry to continue using the Mineral Fund with even greater efficiency and transparency. – The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
