Angkor Resources Corp. (TSXV: ANK) announced that its wholly owned Cambodian energy subsidiary, EnerCam Resources Co., Ltd., has advanced its planned oil and gas exploration drilling program on Block VIII to an inter-ministerial review. A meeting was held on July 14, 2026, in Phnom Penh with representatives from five government ministries and three provinces to review the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the program. This step is critical for obtaining approval to drill Cambodia's first privately financed onshore oil and gas wells.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Environment, brought together more than 26 representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Rural Development. Green Assessment Co., Ltd., the Cambodian independent EIA consultant, presented its findings alongside EnerCam. The EIA covers four sub-basins that host drill targets for a planned four-well exploration program.
Key topics addressed in the EIA include how drilling fluid and water will be sourced, used, stored, and cleaned using steel tanks and pits with impermeable liners to protect soil and groundwater. Safety measures before, during, and after drilling will follow internationally recognized well-control standards (IWCF and API). After drilling, if a well is productive, the small well site will be connected by buried pipeline to a central facility; if not productive, the land will be fully restored to its original or similar condition. The company also discussed initiatives to expand ESG practices to ensure local communities benefit and environmental quality is protected.
Mike Weeks, President of EnerCam, stated: "This meeting reflects the thorough, transparent process behind the drilling program. The EIA lays out exactly how we will source and manage water and drilling fluid, keep each site safe, and restore the land if a well is not productive - all to international standards, and all done in partnership with the Ministries and the communities where we operate."
Before the meeting, officials from the General Department of Petroleum and the Ministry of Environment visited each planned drill site with local landowners and authorities. Further written responses to questions will be compiled by Green Assessment over the coming weeks toward the final submission report for the ministries. Following completion of the report, EnerCam will move to publish its tender for the drilling contractor to complete the planned exploration wells.
Angkor Resources Corp. is a leading resource explorer and developer in Cambodia, with mineral and energy subsidiaries. Its energy subsidiary, EnerCam, was granted an onshore oil and gas license in Block VIII, covering approximately 4,095 km² after adjustments to exclude parks and protected areas. EnerCam completed 2D-seismic in 2025 and has identified multiple drill targets. The company plans to select a drilling contractor to complete Cambodia's first privately financed onshore exploratory oil and gas wells under a Production Sharing Contract.
The inter-ministerial review represents a significant milestone for Cambodia's energy sector. If approved, the drilling program could pave the way for domestic oil and gas production, reducing reliance on imports and providing economic benefits. For industry leaders, this development highlights the growing investment opportunities in Southeast Asia's energy exploration and the importance of rigorous environmental and social governance standards.
