Login Register

Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Setting it in stone Nod given to strengthen mineral law

Setting it in stone Nod given to strengthen mineral law

| Publication date 14 May 2018 | 11:01 ICT

Setting it in stone Nod given to strengthen mineral law

The Council of Ministers on Friday approved an amendment strengthening the Mineral Resource Management Law and bringing in tougher penalties for those who break it. Details of the penalties to be brought in were yet to be released.

The original Law on Mineral Resource Management was passed in July, 2001.

“The amendment to the law bans the export of mineral resources without permission from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and all crimes related to mineral resource exploitation will result in court action and punishment,” a press release issued by the Council of Ministers on Friday said.

Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan wrote on Facebook that the mineral resource law was regularly abused and tougher penalties were needed to prevent such illegal activities and build public trust.

The Post reported in September 2016 that Transparency International and environmental groups had called on the Anti-Corruption Unit to investigate smuggling in the sand-dredging industry after a huge $750 million discrepancy was discovered between Cambodia’s documented sand exports and what Singapore had imported.

Contact author: Vong Sokheng

MOST VIEWED

  • Tensions high ahead of historic Kun Khmer match up

    The long-awaited November 5 matchup between Kun Khmer legend Prum Samnang and Myanmar-Canadian boxer Dave Leduc has become the most anticipated fight of the year. The Wurkz Sena Kun Khmer promotion, which will be held at the Town Arena at Chip Mong 271 Megamall, will see six

  • Manet: Cambodia safe for travel

    Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged that Cambodia and China have cooperated to tackle internet scamming, fraud and other cross border crimes, but insisted that the “Kingdom of Wonders” is completely peaceful and safe. He welcomed tourists to come and explore its rich heritage. During a

  • UNESCO formally list Battambang gastronomy

    Battambang, renowned for its cultural heritage, has achieved a significant milestone as the first Cambodian municipality to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The UCCN unites nearly 300 cities prioritising creativity and cultural industries in local development plans and international cooperation. On World Cities Day,

  • Cambodia pivots to solar, wind energy

    Cambodia is planning a move towards solar and wind energy to meet its rising power demands, according to Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak. On the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week event held recently, Rottanak emphasised the urgency of diversifying Cambodia’s

  • Angkor causeway symbol of Cambodia-Japan ties

    In a historic moment marking another milestone in the 70-year-long diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Japan, King Norodom Sihamoni celebrated the formal inauguration of a causeway located to the west of the world-renowned Angkor Wat. While presiding over the November 4 ceremony, the King emphasised the

  • Manet calls for Cambodia’s railways to get back on track

    Prime Minister Hun Manet has instructed the relevant authorities to expedite studies into upgrades to the Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk railway line. He suggested that the maximum speed on the line should be increased to 80km/h, in order to expedite the transportation of