Cambodia’s long-dormant mining sector could finally be seeing some movement after years of aborted foreign-backed projects, as the government introduces wide-ranging reforms in an effort to turn around the country’s economic fortunes.
Crucial new mining legislation proposed by the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen is aimed at bringing the fledgling industry in line with international practices in order to attract investment and compete with other regional economies.
The draft law, expected to be approved by the end of the year, sets out reforms to tackle key issues that have long plagued the sector, such as illegal mining. The government is already forcibly closing illegal mines if they fail to meet deadlines to shut down operations voluntarily.
Read more at: Nikkei Asian Review
Image: Female miners process minerals at a gold mining site in Mondulkiri province in July, by Kimberley McCosker
