News

An IM4DC-commissioned scoping mission to Cambodia in December examined and reported on the situation of mining and petroleum legislation, regulation and administration in Cambodia. It looked at policies, strategies, legislation and capacities within government.

This scoping mission was at the invitation of the Cambodian Ministry of Mines and Energy following a visit by senior management of the Ministry, led by State Secretary Meng Saktheara to Perth in May 2014.

The delegation comprised of resources lawyer and Adjunct Professor at UWA, John Southalan, plus Mike Rowe, a policy and regulation specialist who until recently was a senior officer with the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum.

The mission found that the 2014-2018 Mineral Resources Strategy provides a sound framework on which to develop and build the capabilities of Cambodia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy. It identified where capacity development is needed to realise the goals of the strategy.

The mission also endorsed the urgent needs identified by most stakeholders to finalise the Petroleum Law and implement regulations governing mining and petroleum operations.

During the visit, the delegation consulted stakeholders from industry and civil society, in addition to holding detailed discussions with the Ministry.

IM4DC thanks the Ministry for hosting the scoping mission and facilitating detailed discussions with internal and external stakeholders.