Cambodia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy said on 23 October that legal action against those involved in illegal gold mining in the Me Sam area of Chong Phlah commune, Keo Seima district, Mondulkiri province, was continuing alongside operations to collect and neutralise chemical waste to protect the environment and water sources.
According to the ministry’s press release, prosecution and judicial authorities are continuing legal proceedings against alleged organisers and others involved in unauthorised mining. The ministry is also working with legally operating companies to collect mining waste containing chemicals and take it to safe locations for treatment in accordance with technical procedures.
The measures aim to prevent chemicals from seeping into surface water and groundwater, where they could harm the environment and public health.
The ministry also said that protests by some illegal operators on social media did not reflect the real risks associated with the machinery, explosives and chemicals used in these activities.
It called on authorities and other stakeholders to work together to curb illegal mining and support only mining activities that comply with the law, safeguarding economic and community interests while protecting natural resources and public health. By PENH Sopheak
