Environmental officers and the provincial authorities have inspected a mining site operated by Cambodian Xuan Yi Minerals Co., Ltd, which mines gold and copper, as well as other precious metals, as part of an investigation into the cause of fish deaths in O’Russei stream located in Tanay village, Chieb commune, Teuk Phos district.
The Ministry of Environment reported that specialists from the General Directorate of Environmental Protection, in cooperation with Kampong Chhnang provincial authorities and other relevant officials, conducted field inspections and action to prevent the contamination of a public water source in Chieb and Kdol Sen Chey communes, Teuk Phos district, on December 4.
“Regarding the suspected environmental pollution that led to fish deaths in the natural O’Russei stream — which feeds into the Chreab stream in Kampong Chhnang — the working group has inspected the Cambodian Xuan Yi Minerals Co., Ltd mining site located nearby,” said the ministry.
In addition, the inspection team worked with provincial authorities, the provincial Department of Environment, law enforcement, and other relevant bodies to raise awareness among local communities about the suspected water contamination. Residents were instructed to temporarily cease the use of water from the stream and avoid consuming fish caught in affected areas until further notice.
The ministry team is continuing to inspect the mining site and collect samples. They will document their findings to assess environmental impacts and determine further action.
To avoid potential health risks, on the evening of Wednesday, December 3, the Teuk Phos district administration issued restrictions preventing residents in six villages across Chieb and Khlong Popok communes from using water from the O’Russei stream.
Local authorities requested intervention after the discovery of numerous dead fish, believed to have been caused by toxic substances in the water.
