The Japan International Cooperation Agency Helps to Survey on Master Plan for Mine Resources in Cambodia

Rasmei Kampuchea Daily,

Vol.16, #4600, 28.5.2008

 

Phnom Penh: The Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy of Cambodia and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a term of reference (ToR) on the implementation of Master Plan to improve mine exploitation and the min industries in the Kingdom of Cambodia.

 

 

The signatures were made by Mr. Suy Sem, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy and by Mr. Kazuhiro Yoneda, Resident Representative of JICA, on the evening of May 26 at the ministry’s office.

 

 

Mr. Sok Leng, Director General of Mine Resources Department, Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy, mentioned that the survey focuses on a clear joint overview to improve the exploitation and the development of mine resources, which includes the creation of strategies for the exploitation and for the development of mine, mine exploitation taxes, the transfers of techniques, and the development of human resources. The survey will be started in late 2008 and will be finished in early 2011. It will take thirty months.

 

 

Mr. Sok Leng said that work to be implemented is first, to check the current situation of the mine sector; second, to improve the information data on mine geology which exist on 1:200,000 and 1:100,000 maps; third, to increase investment in the mine sector; fourth, to create a storage for GIS (Geographic Information System) data of the information on the geology and on the areas where mine exist; fifth, to create a website for making the information available publicly; sixth, to send officials to be trained inside and outside of the country, and seventh, to transfer this knowledge to Cambodian officials through the implementation of this project.

 

 

Mr. Kazuhiro Yoneda said that the JICA sees the development of the private sector as a priority to develop, in order to improve investment. Recently, the international need for mine is growing; and Cambodia is known as a country with a potential of mine which attracts other countries. He added that the survey does not only focus on action plans to improve investment, institutional reforms, the development of human resources, and the preservation of the environment in mine exploitation, but it also focuses on the creation of a GIS system and the development of basic guide and introductory books on mines. JICA hopes that after the project has been implemented, the Ministry will develop its capability and then can strengthen its own work in developing mine exploitation.

 

 

Mr. Suy Sem, Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy said that now, through signing this agreement, Japan starts to provide Cambodia with grant aid and a new cooperation in the field of mine management and mine development in Cambodian. It is the first time for Cambodia that the min field receives technical assistance from Japan through JICA.

 

 

Mr. Katsuhiro Shinohara, Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia, also attended the signing ceremony.