Kratie Provincial Police Instruct Residents to Halt Illegal Gold Mining and Remove Equipment

In Rovan Chey Village, Svay Chrum Commune, Snuol District, Kratie Province, on the afternoon of July 27, 2024, police officers from the Economic Crimes Office of the Kratie Provincial Police, in cooperation with commune police forces, village militia, and local authorities, conducted an operation to instruct residents to cease illegal gold mining activities in the area. Residents in the affected area stated that their gold mining operations primarily involved using water sprayers on the surface soil, solely to address their daily living expenses, and did not involve the use of illegal chemicals. They added that experts and authorities had visited the previous week to disseminate information and provide guidance, requiring them to remove all their equipment from the sites. However, some residents lacked transportation, leading to the incomplete removal of their belongings. During the on-site inspection, a small amount of equipment was found to still be present. Nevertheless, law enforcement and local authorities explained the laws and various impacts arising from unlicensed mining operations. The police then instructed and contracted with the residents to immediately remove all equipment, shelters, and business tools from the locations to avoid facing legal consequences. The authorities also appealed to all residents to respect the law and cooperate with law enforcement in preserving natural resources and ensuring security and safety within the locality. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local