Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Mr. Keo Rattanak, Minister of Mines and Energy, has issued a strong warning regarding illegal mining activities in Mondulkiri Province, stating that legal action will be taken against all individuals involved. This announcement follows recent operations conducted in collaboration with the Mondulkiri Provincial Administration and the Anti-Corruption Unit, which targeted unregulated mining sites in the Chong Plas area.
Minister Keo Rattanak told local media that authorities raided a total of 18 illegal mining locations, out of which 10 were identified as factories and mines that have since been referred to the provincial court for legal action. Additionally, five small-scale mining operations were halted, while three sites that had remained abandoned for years were rehabilitated.
The Minister emphasized the importance of cooperation among local authorities, stating, "I do not blame or target any individual; rather, I hope that local authorities will enhance their monitoring efforts to prevent illegal mining activities."
