Mining Royalties Hit $93 Million in First Half of 2026, ministry says

PHNOM PENH, July 6, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia collected about US$93 million in mining royalty revenue during the first six months of 2026, underscoring the sector’s growing role in state finances despite weaker domestic demand for construction materials, officials said Sunday.

Ung Dipola, Director General of the General Department of Mineral Resources at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, told reporters that royalty revenue has risen steadily in recent years as mineral production expands and reforms improve performance. Mining royalties increased from more than US$60 million in 2023 to US$94.3 million in 2024, before reaching a record US$135.55 million in 2025.

Dipola noted the US$93 million collected this year represents royalty payments only, excluding export duties and other taxes. When those are included, the sector generated about US$150 million in additional revenue during the first quarter of 2026 alone. He credited reforms such as reduced export taxes and streamlined procedures for dimension stone exports, which lifted annual royalty revenue from around US$3 million to more than US$10 million.

Gold mining has also expanded, with Renaissance Minerals and other operators producing a cumulative total of around 20 tonnes since 2020. Cambodia exports about one million tonnes of semi‑processed iron ore annually, contributing to industrial development.

Dipola acknowledged weaker domestic demand for stone and sand due to slower construction activity, but said mining continues to support national development by supplying materials for infrastructure, creating jobs and generating revenue. The ministry said the sector employs more than 12,000 workers, with women accounting for 7 percent, and aims to raise female participation to 14 percent.