The formal recognition of nine Indigenous community land titles in Cambodia's Ratanakiri Province represents a significant milestone for both the Indigenous communities and Angkor Resources Corporation, which operates its Andong Meas mineral exploration license within these traditional lands. The three-year recognition process culminated in granting titles that cover territories home to approximately 45% of Cambodia's Indigenous population, with some communities like Tang Se Village working for over five years through challenging procedures to achieve this legal recognition. This formal recognition strengthens the legal standing of Indigenous communities in Ratanakiri Province while establishing a framework for cooperative resource development.
Angkor CEO Delayne Weeks emphasized the company's long-standing commitment to Indigenous community rights, stating that the achievement reflects years of collaborative effort between the company and local communities. "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," Weeks commented. Beyond land rights advocacy, Angkor has implemented a comprehensive suite of social programs across its operational areas in Cambodia, reaching over 1,500 students through sponsored training sessions to date.
The company's initiatives include English language training for children in surrounding communities, providing valuable language skills to support future education and employment opportunities. Additionally, Angkor is 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. Safety and financial protection programs form another critical component of Angkor's community engagement. The company sponsors moto vehicle safety training sessions focused on proper motorcycle operation, addressing a serious regional concern where motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities, particularly among children, remain prevalent.
Financial fraud awareness training educates community members on identifying and avoiding scams through mobile phones and messaging platforms such as Telegram, protecting vulnerable populations from increasingly common digital financial schemes. All social programs are conducted in partnership with local authorities who attend and participate in delivering program content to their communities. Weeks noted that this community-focused approach is fundamental to the company's operations, stating, "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."
The company's social initiatives span across both its mineral license areas and the Block VIII oil territory, where its energy subsidiary EnerCam Resources operates following seismic work completed in 2025. The intersection of Indigenous land rights recognition and comprehensive social programming creates a model for responsible resource development that prioritizes community partnership and sustainable benefits. As Angkor advances exploration activities in both mineral and energy sectors, this dual focus on legal recognition and community development establishes a framework for operations that acknowledges traditional land stewardship while addressing contemporary social needs through practical, locally-implemented programs.
