Plizio Visual Lab

Okvau Gold Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

mine

Weather…

The Okvau Gold Mine in Mondulkiri Province is Cambodia's first large-scale commercial gold mining operation. Located within the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, it is operated by Renaissance Minerals, a subsidiary of the Australian firm Emerald Resources. Production officially commenced in June 2021, marking a significant milestone for Cambodia's extractive industries sector. The project utilizes a modern carbon-in-leach processing plant designed to handle approximately 2.0 million tonnes of ore per annum. It is expected that the mine will produce an average of 100,000 ounces of gold annually over its operational lifespan. The development included the construction of a 230kV power line to connect the remote mine site to the national grid. The mine's operations are subject to strict environmental and social regulations to minimize impact on the protected area and local communities. The Okvau Gold Mine serves as a flagship project for international investment in Cambodia's mineral resources.

Location: Cambodia
Nearby: Lumphat (23 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	27	29	31	30	28	28	27	27	27	27	26
Rain mm	4	2	10	23	83	137	154	175	131	94	51	15

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Okvau Gold Mine in Mondulkiri Province represents Cambodia's first modern, commercial-scale gold extraction facility. It plays a pivotal role in the country's developing mining sector and regional economy.

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Visiting

As an active, highly secure industrial site, the gold mine itself is generally strictly closed to the general public. Access is typically restricted to authorized personnel and specialized mining professionals.

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Where to view it

Visitors traveling through the remote landscapes of Mondulkiri might only catch distant glimpses of the mining infrastructure from public access roads. The surrounding forested hills offer the best vantage points for observing the broader area.

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Local products

While the gold is exported, the presence of the mine stimulates local commerce in nearby settlements. Travelers can find regional Mondulkiri products such as wild honey, local coffee, and traditional crafts in the surrounding village markets.

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Active season

The mining operations are usually continuous throughout the year, but logistical movements are most visible during the dry season (November to April). Heavy rains during the monsoon make the unpaved approach roads much more difficult to navigate.

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Nearby

A trip to this region is perfectly combined with exploring the lush nature reserves of Mondulkiri and interacting with the local Bunong communities. The famous elephant sanctuaries and Bou Sra Waterfall are typical highlights for visitors.