Posted on July 9, 2026
The Ministry of Mines and Energy held a press conference on July 5 to address a violent confrontation between fishermen and a sand dredging company operating along the border of Prey Veng and Kandal provinces.
The briefing followed the circulation of a 16-minute video showing a dispute in Kien Svay district, Kandal province, which escalated into violence between local fishermen and workers from the sand dredging company.
According to the fishermen, the dredging operations have caused riverbank erosion, threatening nearby homes and livelihoods. The dispute eventually turned violent, with clashes involving company workers.
To investigate the incident, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, together with relevant ministries, local authorities and representatives of the fishermen, held a meeting on July 4 to hear concerns, examine the allegations and identify appropriate solutions should any violations be found.
Ung Eang, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, said the incident occurred at a site where the ministry had legally licensed the company to conduct sand dredging operations.
He explained that the company was operating within the boundaries of its approved licence and in compliance with all applicable legal and technical standards.
He added that the site is not a new dredging area but has been used under two successive licences for the past four to five years.
Ung Eang said:
“I would also like to take this opportunity to address the violence committed by members of the public against those legally operating mineral resource activities. Such acts are unacceptable under the law. The Ministry of Mines and Energy urges citizens who have concerns about any mining operation, wish to verify its legality, or suspect illegal mining activities to contact the ministry through our hotline, which has been available for many years. I would like to reiterate that the hotline remains operational at 095 727 727. We welcome requests for verification as well as complaints, and we guarantee that all information provided will be kept 100% confidential.”
