French archaeologists have been experimenting with Angkorian Khmer iron production methods at a large ancient ironworks site in Preah Vihear province.

Researchers discovered large iron ore deposits in the province’s Rovieng district in 2010 and published their findings in 2012 and 2013.

Professor Thuy Chanthuon of the Royal Academy of Cambodia confirmed to The Post that researchers from the French Institute of the Far East had conducted metallurgy experiments in Rovieng.

Citing Stepharie Leroy, a French metallurgist, the Siem Reap provincial Department of Information noted that the Phnom Dek area in Rovieng was the most important supplier of ironware to the city of Angkor during the Khmer Empire. The sites of more than 2,000 ancient iron smelts have been identified there.

French researchers have discovered that Angkor utilised a number of iron items during the 11th century, but little is known about their sources.

From the 12th century onwards, many of the iron items related to the Khmer Empire were determined to have originated in the mountains of Preah Vihear province.

Chanthuon was sceptical of the experiments, saying the techniques used were too modern and did not reflect traditional methods. For example, gas was being used to fuel the furnaces, he explained.

Both Khmer and foreign researchers agree that the ancient Khmer Empire, arguably the most glorious and influential in the whole of Southeast Asia, achieved its success – at least in part – due to the mastery