The mining sector, which was the smallest sector in the Cambodian economy, was estimated to contribute only 0.15% to the country’s GDP. In the past 5 years, mining activities in Cambodia included the production of laterite blocks (bricks), phosphate rock, quartz sand, sand and gravel, crushed stone (construction aggregates). Cambodia continued to import all its requirements for refined petroleum products, which included gasoline, kerosene, and distillate and residual fuel oil. The mining sector, which was the smallest sector in the economy, was estimated to contribute 0.6% to the country’s GDP. In 2002, Laos’ GDP growth was estimated to be 5.8% compared with 5.7% in 2001. Laos’ mining activities were dominated by the production of gypsum and tin. Other mineral commodities produced in Laos included barite, coal, construction materials, gemstones, gold, limestone, and zinc. All mining activities in Laos were small scale and mostly owned and operated by the State-owned mining enterprises or by joint ventures of the State-owned companies and foreign companies.

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