Ratanakiri Environment Department Denies Allegations Amidst Incident of Facility Destruction and Fatalities Following Illegal Mining Intervention

The Ratanakiri Provincial Department of Environment has strongly denied allegations of wrongdoing by its officials, stating that accusations leveled against them are baseless and intended to tarnish their reputation. The department issued a statement on September 7, 2026, addressing an incident that occurred on September 6, 2026. According to the department, on September 6, 2026, at approximately 10:12 AM, park rangers from the Sae Chrey ranger post within the Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary were patrolling and discovered around 80 individuals illegally mining for gold in the New Village (Sae Chrey) area, Chay Udom Commune, Lumphat District, Ratanakiri Province. This location falls within a protected natural area of the Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary. The park rangers intervened peacefully, instructing the individuals to cease their illegal activities, which violate Article 850 of the Law on Environment and Natural Resources. No violence or gunfire occurred during this intervention, and the individuals left the site by 11:20 AM. Approximately two hours later, at 1:15 PM, the Ratanakiri Provincial Department of Environment received information from the police post of Royum Commune regarding a traffic accident involving a motorcycle, which resulted in one fatality. The department states that this fatal accident was subsequently exploited by certain individuals to falsely accuse the park rangers and incite violence, leading to the destruction and burning of the ranger sub-station. The Provincial Department of Environment unequivocally refutes these accusations, asserting that they are malicious attempts to defame and damage the honor and reputation of law enforcement officials without any evidence. The department condemns the acts of public defamation, incitement to violence, destruction of public property, and the depletion of Cambodia's natural resources. Reports indicate that a mob of citizens gathered and destroyed the Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary sub-station following the death of a gold miner. The fire raged, destroying the Sae Chrey sub-station of the Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary in Ratanakiri Province on the afternoon of September 6, 2026. This occurred after a group of citizens set fire to the station in anger over the death of a gold miner. The root cause and sequence of events: A patrol team consisting of three rangers from the Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary and one volunteer descended upon "Prey Meas" in New Village (Sae Chrey), Chay Udom Commune, Lumphat District. They discovered approximately 80 citizens illegally rushing to mine for gold. Cessation and Accident: Authorities advised the citizens to return home. However, in the afternoon, it was reported that a citizen (residing in Ruy Village, Ruy Commune, Koh Nhek District, Mondulkiri Province) died after their motorcycle fell while returning home. Demands and Responses: Citizen's side: Accused the park rangers of chasing and firing shots, causing panic that led to the motorcycle accident. Department's side: Completely rejected these accusations, asserting that the team did not chase or fire any shots, but merely provided guidance according to procedure. Authorities are currently continuing their investigation and taking legal action regarding the fire and the fatality. Source: CEN Cambodia