Angkor Resources Corp. (TSXV: ANK) announced that its wholly owned Cambodian energy subsidiary, EnerCam Resources Co., Ltd., has advanced to an inter-ministerial review of its planned oil and gas exploration drilling program on Block VIII in Cambodia. The meeting, held July 14, 2026, in Phnom Penh, marks a critical step in the review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the program.
Management of EnerCam met with representatives from five government Ministries—including the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Rural Development—as well as officials from three provinces. More than 26 representatives attended the meeting, where the planned drilling activities were detailed, along with specific preventative and proactive measures the company will take to protect the environment and local communities during the exploratory drilling phase.
The EIA, prepared by the Cambodian independent consultant Green Assessment Co., Ltd., covers the four sub-basins that host the drill targets for EnerCam's planned four-well exploration program. This program would represent Cambodia's first privately financed onshore oil and gas wells. Ahead of the meeting, officials from the General Department of Petroleum and the Ministry of Environment visited each planned drill site with local landowners and authorities.
Key topics covered in the EIA and the inter-ministerial meeting included how drilling fluid and water would be sourced, used, stored, and cleaned throughout the process, using steel tanks and pits with impermeable liners to protect soil and groundwater. Safety protocols before, during, and after drilling were also discussed, drawing on internationally recognized well-control standards (IWCF and API). The company outlined post-drilling procedures: 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. Additionally, initiatives to expand ESG (environmental, social, governance) practices to benefit local communities and protect land, water, and air quality were addressed.
Mike Weeks, President of EnerCam, commented: "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."
Further written responses to questions will be compiled by Green Assessment over the coming weeks towards the final submission report for the Ministries to complete the review process. 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, working towards mineral and energy solutions across the country. Its mineral subsidiary, Angkor Gold Corp. Co., Ltd., holds two mineral exploration licenses in Cambodia with multiple prospects in copper and gold. EnerCam was granted an onshore oil and gas license in Block VIII, covering approximately 4,095 km² after voluntary removal of parks and protected areas and subsequent adjustments. The company completed 2D-seismic in 2025 and has identified multiple drill targets with multiple target zones.
