It is reported that a Korean resources developer, Kenertec Co has won exclusive mining rights in northern Cambodia, an area that could contain large quantities of copper, zinc and iron ore.

The report quoted Korea’s ministry of commerce, industry and energy as saying that the eight mining zones secured by Kenertec Co cover 1,520 square kilometers twice the size of Seoul. It said that preliminary surface surveys showed potentially large metallic deposits. In 2002, China carried out a detailed survey of an area near Kenertec's new claims and discovered about 600 million tonnes of iron ore underground.

The ministry said the company plans to conduct more detailed seismic studies starting next year to discern the size of the mineral deposits. Full scale development of the region will take place after a complete survey is conducted.

A government official said that "The area has been relatively unexplored in the past because it was a military controlled zone and off limits to civilians.” He added that with the military taking steps to allow development, the region is attracting interest from Chinese and Vietnamese companies.