(Kampong Speu): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that domestic mining operations generated nearly USD 100 million in tax revenue for the government in 2024, speaking on Tuesday (May 20) at an inauguration ceremony of the Conch KT Cement Factory in Aural District, Kampong Speu Province.
Samdech Thipadei underscored, “It is not just about extracting raw materials. It is about generating substantial revenue for the nation. In 2020, our mining tax revenue stood at USD 27.54 million. Through continuous efforts over the past five years, we have increased that figure to nearly USD 100 million in 2024, thanks to exports and various mining businesses.”
The premier noted that tax revenues from mining companies help fund development in communities across the country. For that reason, local mining is not only appropriate, it is the right course of action.
Prime Minister Hun Manet also encouraged companies to establish community support funds and urged all investment projects to conduct thorough assessments to minimize negative impacts on local communities and the environment. He underlined that all development must ultimately bring benefits and increased income to the people.
On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also highlighted that Cambodia now has six cement factories with a combined annual production capacity of 11 million tons, enough to meet domestic demand and support exports.
According to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, as of 2025, Cambodia has six cement factories with a total investment of approximately USD 1.11 billion, providing around 3,000 jobs nationwide.
These factories have enabled Cambodia to shift from being 100 per cent dependent on imported cement to becoming fully self-sufficient. In fact, the country began exporting cement in 2024, including more than 30,000 tons to Thailand.
Beyond the current facilities, three more companies are in the process of building new cement plants and developing their project sites.
Cement is an essential material for infrastructure and housing construction, both of which are in high demand in Cambodia today, with annual needs exceeding 10 million tons. As such, continued investment in cement production is a strategic move for Cambodia’s economic growth, helping to replace imports with locally produced materials.
=FRESH NEWS
