Cambodia Halts New Dimension Stone Licences to Strengthen Industry and Boost Exports

PHNOM PENH, June 26, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia will suspend the issuance of new licences for dimension stone mining as the government shifts focus toward strengthening existing operators, increasing value‑added production and expanding export markets, officials said Thursday.

Mines and Energy Minister Keo Rottanak announced the policy during the first board meeting of the Cambodia Dimension Stone Association, saying current licence holders must fully utilize existing resources and investments before new projects are approved.

“We have adopted an internal policy not to expand dimension stone licences in the near future because we want members to maximize the potential of the resources they have already invested in,” he said.

Rottanak noted that while some companies had applied for new licences, reserves remain underutilized and the domestic market limited. He warned that introducing more investors under current conditions could weaken both existing and new businesses.

The minister urged closer cooperation over the next three to five years to strengthen management, expand markets and improve product utilization. He called on companies to create jobs, comply with environmental standards, improve workplace safety, pay taxes properly and invest in skills development.

Cambodia’s dimension stone sector contributed nearly US$40 million in royalty revenue between 2022 and early 2026, excluding taxes and other charges. The ministry said priorities now include diversification, overseas market expansion and stronger environmental and safety standards to boost competitiveness.

According to the General Department of Mineral Resources, 68 licensed companies currently operate across 11 provinces. The industry, hit hard by COVID‑19 and global slowdown, has rebounded with government support, quadrupling production across the value chain.