Cambodia operates its first gold mine, fears about the environment

Cambodia is embarking on gold production! Australian company Emerald Resources has received an exclusive license and aims to produce some three tonnes of pure gold per year during the first eight years of operation, Cambodian authorities have said. The kingdom intends to receive an annual gross income of 185 million dollars thanks to this “great achievement”, assured on June 10 the Prime Minister Hun Sen, in power for 36 years. The local population is concerned about the environmental impacts of the mine located in Mondukiri, on land formerly classified as a nature reserve. Residents of the region have already been in conflict with authorities for a long time, accusing them of supporting projects that serve as a cover for massive deforestation.

Emerald Resources is “committed to applying high environmental standards,” said the Australian Embassy. Cambodia, one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, has long aspired to further exploit its natural resources. At the end of 2020, he embarked on oil extraction for the first time. But six months later, the company which operated the only oil field in the country off Sihanoukville (south), filed for bankruptcy.

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