Types and Distribution of Mineral Resources in Cambodia

Since the second half of the 19th century, the results of geological research and mineral surveys conducted by French and Chinese geologists have indicated the potential for rich mineral resources in Cambodia, including sapphire, ruby, gold, cassiterite, quartz sand, bauxite, manganese , kaolin, coal, peat, topaz, limestone, phosphate rock, building materials and other minerals. Mineral products found in Cambodia are divided into the following five groups:

1. Building materials

Basalt: Found in Kampong Needle Province, Rattanakiri Province

Granite: found in Kandal, Kampong Chhnang, Pineapple Vian and Takeo provinces

Jasper: Found in Takeo Province

Sand for construction: available in Kandal, Kampong Chhnang, and Kampong Speu

Sandstone: Found in Koh Kong Province and Kampong Speu Province

Conglomerate: found in Kampong Chin, Kratie, and Stung Treng provinces

Red soil: found in Battambang, Dou Pusat, and Takeo provinces

Quartzite: Found in Kampot Province

Rhyolite: Found in Kampong Needle

Clay for bricks and tiles: anywhere in Cambodia

2. Non-metallic minerals/industrial minerals

Clay Minerals: Found in Kampong Needle, Kampong Chhnang, and Kampot

Dolomite: Found in Stung Treng Province

Fluorite: Found in Pineapple Vien Province

Graphite: Found in Kampot Province

Limestone: found in Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Kampot and Stung Treng provinces

Phosphate minerals: found in Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Kampot, Kampong Speu

Silica Sand: Found in Koh Kong Province

Zirconia: Found in Rattanakiri Province

3. Metal minerals

Antimony (Sb): found in the province of Prasat Chromium (Cr): found in the province of Prasat

Iron (Fe): Found in Battambang, Kampot, Preah Vihear and Stung Treng Manganese (Mn): Found in Preah Vihear

Molybdenum (Mo): Found in Kandal, Preah Vihear and Takeo Provinces Tungsten (W): Found in Kampong Speu

Bauxite (Al): Found in Battambang and Mondulkiri

Copper (Cu): Copper, lead and zinc are found in Kratie, Preah Vihear, Rattanakiri and Stung Treng provinces: in Kampong Speu, Mondulkiri, Preah Vihear and Radha Discovered in Nakiri Province

Tin (Sn): Found in Kampong Speu Province and Takeo Province

Gold (Au): Found in Battambang, Kampong Kampong, Kampong Thom, Kampot, Mondulkiri, Preah Vihear, Rattana Kiri and Stung Treng

4. Gems

Rubies: Found in Battambang Province

Sapphire: Found in Koh Kong and Preah Vihear

Rubies: Found in Battambang Province

Gem-quality zircon: found in Preah Vihear, Ratanakiri

Amethyst: found in Kampong Thom and Stung Treng provinces

Marble: Found in Kampong Speu and Stung Treng

Pagoda Stone: Found in Dou Pu Sa Province

5. Solid Fuel Minerals

Coal: Found in Stung Treng Province

Lignite: found in Kampot, Kratie, Preah Vihear