Angkor Resources Corp. (TSXV: ANK) announced that senior representatives of its Cambodian energy subsidiary, EnerCam Resources Co., Ltd., have met with potential drilling contractors to assess drill sites in anticipation of mobilizing equipment for exploratory wells on Block VIII. This move is a critical step toward drilling Cambodia's first onshore oil and gas wells, a milestone that could position the country as a new player in the global energy landscape.
The assessment involved technical presentations to several drilling companies, followed by field inspections of roads, bridges, and infrastructure across four sub-basins that are drill targets. The teams evaluated the load-bearing and width capacity of bridges to ensure they can support the significant weight of drilling equipment. John Koch, EnerCam's drilling manager, traveled to Cambodia to lead the discussions, covering drilling, completion, and production testing requirements for each well.
Koch noted that the required services and equipment are available to undertake the exploration program cost-effectively, stating that the access and terrain in Block VIII lend themselves to efficient execution. The drilling contractors will be selected through a tendered bid that must be approved by the Ministry of Mines and Energy. EnerCam has conducted its own due diligence over the past five months to expedite the process and advance the project ahead of schedule.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the four sub-basins is in its final stages of approval with the Ministry of Environment, following an inter-ministerial meeting in mid-July. Mike Weeks, President of EnerCam, highlighted that while the EIA review progresses, the team is undertaking other preparatory work, including due diligence ahead of the actual bid. He emphasized that these exploratory wells will set a precedent for both EnerCam and Cambodia as the sector develops.
Block VIII, located in the southwest quadrant of Cambodia, covers approximately 4,095 square kilometers after removing all parks and sensitive areas from the original 7,300 square kilometers. EnerCam completed 2D seismic surveys in 2025 and identified multiple drill targets with multiple target zones. The company plans to drill to depths of up to 3,300 meters, targeting the Kirirom and South, Central, and North Bokor prospects.
This development is significant for the mining and energy industry as it could open a new frontier for oil and gas exploration in Southeast Asia. For stakeholders in raw materials and energy, the successful drilling of these wells could lead to new supply sources and investment opportunities. The project also demonstrates the application of global best practices in drilling programs, as team members like John Koch have designed and built oil and gas drill programs in over 60 countries.
Angkor Resources, through its subsidiaries, holds mineral exploration licenses in Cambodia and is working toward mineral and energy solutions across the country. The company's mission is to prove Cambodia as a nation with its own oil and gas resources, and this drilling program is a key step in that direction. The outcome of these assessments and the subsequent drilling will be closely watched by industry observers as a potential catalyst for regional energy development.
