The Ministry of Mines and Energy on Friday announced that three companies have been granted initial approval to carry out copper and gold exploration in the Kingdom.

General Department of Mineral Resources director-general Yos Monirath named the companies as Continental Copper (Cambodia) Co Ltd, Renaissance Minerals (Cambodia) Ltd and Late Cheng Mining Development Co Ltd.

However, the three companies must submit additional documents before the licences can be issued, Monirath said.

“The companies were awarded [initial approval] for copper, gold and iron mineral exploration licences from the ministry. We set the goal of opening mineral areas with good geography and mineral potential,” he said.

Kunming Xingchi Mining Investment Co Ltd and Cambodia K88 Industry Co Ltd also applied for the licence, but were not approved, he said.

Continental Copper will explore two 200sq km blocs in Siem Reap province. One is located in Svay Leu district’s Ta Siem and Svay Leu communes and another in Chi Kraeng district’s Khvav commune.

Renaissance Minerals will explore two blocs measuring a combined 391sq km in Mondulkiri province’s Keo Seima district.

Late Cheng Mining Development will explore 151sq km in Kampong Thom province’s Sandan district.

Monirath said the other companies can still apply for exploration licences for other minerals.

Last week, the ministry announced the opening of 794sq km in mining concession areas for applying for mineral exploration licences across Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Mondulkiri provinces.

Monirath said the ministry has issued 39 copper exploration licences to private companies to conduct exploration in the Kingdom.