PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's commercial gold refinery has yielded 8,979 kilograms of gold ore and paid a total of US$14.4 million in royalties as of Nov. 17.

The figures were mentioned by H.E. Keo Rottanak, Minister of Mines and Energy in a press conference on “Mining and Energy Policy in Cambodia” at Sokha Hotel Phnom Penh on Nov. 21.

So far, the ministry has issued gold mining licenses to a total of nine companies, six of which are commercial production and three others are in the stage of forming business preparation, he said.

According to the ministry, Renaissance Minerals in Mondulkiri province has the highest yield compared to the other five firms.