International Conference on Mining
Staking a Claim for Cambodia
26 - 27 May 2010
Cambodia’s first international mining conference took place in Phnom Penh, May 26-27, 2010. Organized jointly by UNDP Cambodia and Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, the event marked a milestone in the country’s progress in building a responsible mining industry that is poised to make a significant contribution to wealth generation and poverty reduction in the country.
The conference affirmed that building a successful, 21st century mining sector requires rigorous attention not only to geological data, mineral economics and mineral markets, but also to ever higher standards of environmental protection, conservation, and engagement with communities. Socio-economic risks in mining are significant and need to be managed. However, Cambodia stands to learn from the experiences of its regional neighbors, who actively participated in the conference. Looking forward, the conference also opened doors for new private sector investors who can bring international best practices to Cambodia. Further, the conference pointed to new opportunities to increase transparency, accountability and sustainability in Cambodia’s nascent mining sector, through increased engagement with development partners, civil society, and international institutions.
On this webpage you will find presentations and papers by main presenters and panelists in each of the sessions of the conference. UNDP Cambodia hopes that Cambodian and international organizations alike will find this information to be valuable.
Conference Overview- Speeches and Summaries
- Keynote Presentations
- Working Session 1: Governance and Mining Law - The Role of the State
- Working Session 2: Mineral Exploration and Development - Risk and Reward
- Working Session 3: Regional and International Country Experiences - Lessons Learned
- Working Session 4: Environmental Performance - Essential for Modern Mining
- Working Session 5: The People Dimension - Opportunities for Workers and Communities
Welcome and Introductory Remark by H.E Suy Sem, Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy
Welcome and Introductory Remark by Mr. Douglas Broderick, UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative
Contributors Welcoming Remarks by H.E. Ms. Margaret Anne Adamson, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Australia
Regional Perspective by Mr. Nicholas Rossellini, UNDP Deputy Assistant Administrator and Deputy Regional Director for the Asia and the Pacific Region
Closing Remark by H.E Suy Sem, Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy
Mining Conference Summary
The Context and Situation of Mineral Sector in Cambodia
by H.E Mr Sok Leng, Director General, General Department of Mineral Resources, Ministry of Industry, Mines and EnergyPresentation
The Global Context for Mining and Extractive Industries
by Dr. Richard Schodde, Associate Consultant, CRU Strategies and Adjunct Professor School of Earth Sciences, University of Western AustraliaPaper, Presentation
Governance and Mining Law - The Role of the State
The purpose of this session was to consider governance arrangements that contribute to the growth of a successful and responsible mining sector in Cambodia. Key issues included policy and legal frameworks, international best practices in the management of mineral exploration and development, and transparency including the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
Presentations
The Role of the State in the Extractive Industries
by Mr. Craig Andrews, Principal Mining Specialist, Oil, Gas, Mining and Chemicals Department, World BankPresentation
The case for implementing the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI)
by Dr. Sam Bartlett, Regional Director - Europe & Asia, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), EITI International SecretariatPresentation
Legal Framework
by Ms. Jennifer Cook Clark, J.D., LL.M.,President, PACRIM Resource Development, IncPresentation
Mineral Exploration and Development - Risk and Reward
In this session, the economics of the mining sector was discussed, including the factors that guide mining industry risk assessments. In the context of the mineral supply chain, issues to be considered include comparative fiscal regimes, the costing of mining projects and mineral exploration financing.
Presentations
Risks Affecting Mineral Exploration Investment in Cambodia
by Mr. Mick Sharry, Exploration Manager, OZ MineralsPresentation
Mineral Exploration and Mine Development: Risk and Reward
by Prof Dr. Roderick Eggert, Professor and Division Director Economices and Business, Colorado School of Mines, USAPaper, Presentation
Comparative Fiscal Regimes
by Mr. Bob Parsons, Independent Fiscal ConsultantPresentation
Exploration and Development - Risk and Measures
by Mr. Yuji Nishikawa, Senior Analyst, Metal Economics Research Institute, JapanPresentation
Regional and International Country Experiences - Lessons Learned
The practical, ‘real world’ experiences of selected Asian middle income and developing countries in developing and managing their mining sector were the focus of this session. Presentations covered recent legal and policy developments, lessons learned, and innovative regional approaches, with consideration of implications for Cambodia.
Presentations
Regional and International Country Experiences - Lessons learned
by Mr. Richard Thompson, Mining ConsultantPaper, Presentation
Experiences in Promoting Development of Mining Sector in Vietnam
by Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Ngoc, International Cooperation Division, Department of Geology and Minerals of Vietnam (DGMV), VietnamPresentation
Current Situation of China Energy Development
by Dr. Prof. Zhu Deren, Former Vice-Chairman of the China National Coal Association, Director of Coal Division of China Quality Association IndustryPresentation
Responsible Mining Initiative for Sustainable Development
by Dr. Zinaameder Batbayar, Member Board of Directors, Responsible Mining Initiative, MongoliaPresentation
Mineral Development in Lao PDR
by Mr. Eravanh Boungnaphalom, Director of Environment and Mining Inspection Division, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Lao PDRPresentation
Environmental Performance - Essential for Modern Mining
This session examined selected environmental considerations that must be taken into account in the development of Cambodia’s mining sector. Issues include addressing conservation and development objectives, the management of protected areas, and ensuring environmental sustainability through the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
Presentations
Developing Cambodia’s Mining Sector: An Environmental Perspective
by Prof. Dr. Saleem Ali, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermnont, USAPaper, Presentation
Intervention
by H.E. Mr. Khieu Muth, Secretary of State, Ministry of EnvironmentPaper
Perspectives from a Cambodian Civil Society Organization
by Mr. Jason D. Jones, Advisor EISEI Network, Development and Partnership in Action (DPA)Presentation
Integrated Acid Mine Drainage Management
by Mr. Imanuel Manege, General Manager, Environment Division, Kaltim Prima Koal, East Kalimantan, IndonesiaPresentation
Sustainable and responsible mining – Cambodia’s mineral development goals
by Mr. Sieng Sotham, Director, Department of Geology, Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy PresentationThe People Dimension - Opportunities for Workers and Communities
Communities located near mining exploration and development projects, and the women and men who live there, have a direct stake in how mining projects develop. Indigenous populations are especially vulnerable to new development projects from outside. This session examined community engagement best practices, local employment opportunities, and the special challenges of small-scale artisanal gold mining.
Presentations
An Overview of Issues around Workers and Communities
by Dr. Kuntala Lahiri-Dutt, Fellow, Research Management in Asia-Pacific Program, the Australian National UniversityPaper, Presentation
The People Dimension
by Mr. Robin Evans, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining, University of Queensland, AustraliaPaper
Governance Approaches in Artisanal Gold Mining Communities: Supporting Livelihoods and Enhancing Social Opportunities in the Asia Pacific Countries
by Mr. Samuel J. Spiegel, Doctoral Candidate, Department of Geography, Trinity College, University of Cambridge, UKPresentation
How Resource Extraction has affected my community, and lessons learned
by Ms. Michelle White, Aboriginal Community Economic Projects Coordinator, CANDO, CanadaPresentation
Opportunities and Challenges facing the people living in mineral exploration and mining areas
by Mr. Yos Monirath, Director, Department of Mineral ResourcesPresentation
Resources and further reading
Our Focus in Cambodia
In Depth
