The deafening roar of engines and the dust-laden air of the Okvau gold mine in Keo Seima district are a world away from the quiet hum of a sewing machine. 

For 27-year-old Rin Theana, the transition from garment factory worker to driver of a massive quarry dump truck carrying nearly 100 tonnes of rock is a journey of courage, determination and opportunity.

Three years ago, Theana made an unexpected career shift, leaving the repetitive stitches of fabric behind to navigate the rugged mining terrain of Mondulkiri province. 

Today, she is one of more than 20 female drivers manoeuvring the colossal vehicles at Cambodia’s only large-scale gold mining site, operated by Renaissance Minerals Cambodia, a subsidiary of Australia-listed Emerald Resources.

Giant dump trucks carry rock from the gold mine in the Okvau area of Mondulkiri province’s Keo Seima district. Hong Raksmey

“At first, it was intimidating,” Theana admits, standing beside the towering truck with wheels nearly twice her height. “But now, it feels natural. I never imagined I’d be driving something this big, but now I love it.”

Her journey began with a simple yet powerful motivation — stability and security. The mining company provides comprehensive training, better pay than her old factory, and a structured work schedule. 

Theana learned to drive under strict supervision, first at a driving school and then with hands-on training at the company itself.

“I never even knew how to drive a car before,” she says with a smile. 

“I started learning outside before joining the company, and the instructors were very patient with us. We were trained until we felt confident driving on our own,” she added.

More than 20 female drivers operate the colossal vehicles at Cambodia’s only large-scale gold mining site, outnumbering their male counterparts. Hong Raksmey

Each morning, Theana dons her bright orange hi-vis safety gear, climbs into the cab of her truck, and embarks on the demanding task of hauling earth and ore from deep pits to processing sites. 

Despite the harsh conditions — blazing heat, thick dust and long shifts that stretch up to 28 days before a scheduled break — she remains undeterred.

“The steering is smooth despite its size,” she explains. “It has automatic controls that help limit the speed and ensure safety.”

Theana’s perseverance reflects a broader shift in the mining industry, where women are increasingly taking on roles traditionally dominated by men. 

At Okvau, female drivers now outnumber their male counterparts, proving that gender is no barrier to handling heavy machinery.

Her job not only provides financial independence but also a newfound sense of confidence and pride. 

Each of the massive trucks can haul almost 100 tonnes of rock. Hong Raksmey

“I feel strong. I feel capable,” she says. “This job has changed my life, and I hope more women realize they can do it too.”

Beyond her personal journey, Theana’s story is interwoven with the larger narrative of Cambodia’s mining sector. 

Since its first gold pour in 2021, the Okvau Gold Project has made a significant contribution to the Kingdom’s economy, producing approximately three tonnes of gold per annum.

The mine operates through open-pit excavation, with massive trucks like Theana’s playing a crucial role in transporting gold-rich ore for processing.

With each shift, Theana is not just moving tons of rock — she is driving change, challenging stereotypes, and paving the way for a new generation of women in mining. 

And as she steers her truck across the rugged terrain, she does so with the quiet confidence of someone who has carved her own path against the odds.