Angkor Resources Corporation has announced the formal granting of nine Indigenous community land titles to communities in Ratanakiri Province, Cambodia, following a three-year recognition process. The company's Andong Meas mineral exploration license is situated within the traditional land of these Indigenous communities, which represent approximately 45% of Cambodia's Indigenous population. This formal recognition represents a significant milestone for Indigenous rights in the region and reinforces Angkor's commitment to collaborative engagement with local communities.
CEO Delayne Weeks stated that the achievement reflects years of collaborative effort between the company and Indigenous communities. "Angkor has supported Indigenous community rights since setting foot in the province, and this achievement reflects years of collaborative effort between Angkor and the communities," Weeks commented. "Our Andong Meas license sits within these traditional lands, and we are committed to working alongside these communities as partners, ensuring mutual respect and shared benefit as we advance our exploration activities."
In addition to supporting Indigenous land rights, Angkor continues to advance a comprehensive range of social programs across its operational areas in Cambodia. The company works closely with local authorities, who participate in all program sessions, to implement initiatives aimed at improving safety, health, and education outcomes for Cambodian families. These programs span both the company's mineral exploration areas and its Block VIII oil and gas license territory.
The company's social initiatives include English language training for children in surrounding communities, providing young Cambodians with valuable language skills to support future education and employment opportunities. Angkor is also implementing water filtration systems and latrine installations in communities across the Block VIII oil and gas license area, improving access to clean water and sanitation for families in rural Cambodia. More information about the company's operations can be found at https://angkorresources.com.
Safety remains a key focus, with Angkor sponsoring motorcycle safety training sessions that address proper operation of motorcycles, the primary mode of transportation in rural Cambodia. These sessions aim to reduce motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities, particularly among children. The company also sponsors financial fraud awareness training, educating community members on how to identify and avoid digital financial scams through mobile phones and messaging platforms such as Telegram.
To date, Angkor has reached over 1,500 students through its sponsored training sessions. Weeks emphasized that the company's commitment to social responsibility is fundamental to its operations. "Working with Indigenous communities, local authorities, and families across Cambodia is not separate from our resource exploration activities - it is fundamental to how we operate," Weeks added. "We believe that building trust and creating value for communities creates a stronger foundation for everything we do."
The company's approach demonstrates how resource companies can integrate community development with business operations, potentially setting a precedent for responsible resource development in emerging markets. By securing Indigenous land titles while implementing practical social programs, Angkor aims to establish sustainable partnerships that benefit both the company and local communities as it advances its exploration activities in Cambodia.
