Cambodia’s marble mining industry has witnessed steady expansion in recent years, propelled by increased investment, government support, and a rising demand for natural stone. As a key contributor to the national economy, the sector has attracted more companies and strengthened its export capacity, positioning Cambodia as an emerging player in the global marble market.
Industry Growth and Investment Trends
Between 2015 and 2019, approximately 30 companies were involved in marble mining across Cambodia, with over 60 projects accumulating investments exceeding $200 million. By 2024, the number of companies operating in the sector had more than doubled to over 70, demonstrating growing investor confidence and a favorable business climate.
The industry has also expanded its export capacity, with several companies now capable of shipping granite to international markets. Annual export volumes range between 20,000 and 30,000 containers. In 2024 alone, Cambodia exported over five million square meters of processed marble sheets, a significant increase compared to the previous year.
Rising Demand and Infrastructure Development
The increasing demand for natural stone, coupled with the import of construction materials such as sandstone, cement, and limestone, has driven Cambodia’s import expenditure in the sector to approximately $209.2 million as of November 2024. Meanwhile, the Cambodian government has approved 3,207 infrastructure projects nationwide, amounting to a total investment of about $2.97 billion—a 44.41% increase from previous years. This rapid development underscores the growing importance of the mining industry in national construction efforts.
Challenges and Regulatory Compliance
Despite the growth, the sector has faced challenges, particularly during the global economic downturn, which led to reduced demand. Leng Davy, Vice-President of the Cambodia Stone Quarries Association, noted that nearly 90% of Cambodia’s processed marble products are exported. She emphasized the importance of compliance with legal regulations and sustainable mining practices.
“We have a master plan for marble mining, and inspections are conducted every two years,” Davy stated. “Cambodia has millions of cubic meters of marble reserves, but we cannot extract them all at once.”
Government interventions, such as tax relief measures and streamlined export procedures, have played a critical role in revitalizing the industry. These policies have helped struggling businesses regain momentum, contributing to a fourfold expansion of the sector by 2024.
Economic Contributions and Future Sustainability
Kong Sitha, Deputy Director-General of the General Department of Mineral Resources at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, reported that the mining sector contributed approximately $90 million to the national budget in 2024 through tax revenues and other fees.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the government is prioritizing stronger collaboration between relevant ministries and the Cambodia Stone Quarries Association. This initiative aims to enhance industry resilience, prevent operational disruptions, and promote responsible mining practices.
Data from the Ministry of Mines and Energy further revealed that over 70 companies are engaged in marble mining across 11 provinces, with Kratie emerging as a major hub. Nearly 20 companies in Kratie are actively involved in extraction and processing for export, underscoring the province’s strategic importance to Cambodia’s growing marble industry.
Conclusion
Cambodia’s marble mining sector is on a robust growth trajectory, driven by strong investments, government policies, and increasing global demand. While challenges persist, regulatory oversight and sustainable practices will be key to maintaining the industry’s expansion and ensuring Cambodia’s position as a competitive player in the international market. As the country continues to develop its mining infrastructure, the future of Cambodia’s marble industry appears promising.
