Illegal Mining Site Raided in Cambodia's Preah Vihear Province

An illegal mineral mining site has been raided in Kulen district, Preah Vihear province, northeastern Cambodia. On July 16, 2026, a joint operation was conducted by the provincial Department of Mines and Energy and the Kulen District Gendarmerie, under the direction of the Preah Vihear Provincial Court Prosecutor and with the procedural coordination of the Deputy Prosecutor. The operation targeted an illegal mining site located in Sre Yong Cheung village, Sre Yong commune, Kulen district. According to Colonel Chan Sie, Commander of the Kulen District Gendarmerie, the joint forces found an illegal metal mining pit at the scene. One excavator was seized and taken to the Kulen District Gendarmerie for further action. The driver of the excavator reportedly fled the scene. Colonel Sie added that relevant departments have previously cooperated with the Kulen district authorities to repeatedly disseminate warnings and prohibit citizens from engaging in illegal mining. Sources indicate that influential merchant groups had been secretly and illegally excavating copper in the Kulen district, attempting to disguise their activities by falsely applying for dewatering permits. However, the operation by the authorities ultimately led to the crackdown. Illegal mining of natural resources remains a persistent challenge in Cambodia. Illicit activities related to mineral resources often impact the livelihoods of local communities and the environment. While the government is intensifying its crackdown, cases involving influential figures are not uncommon, making complete eradication a difficult task. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Security