Cambodian Authorities Investigate River Pollution Linked to Gold Mining
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Cambodian authorities have conducted water, sediment, and fish sampling in the O’Ta Bouk River following community complaints of health problems and declining water quality linked to a gold mining operation. Indigenous Brao villagers have reported skin rashes and itching since mining began in mid-2023, and many have stopped using the river. No test results have been made public yet.
Facts First
- Authorities dispatched to Mondul Yorn village to conduct water and sediment testing on the O’Ta Bouk River.
- Testing followed community complaints of skin rashes and itching linked to declining water quality since mid-2023.
- Government fisheries teams caught 34 species of fish from the Sesan and O’Ta Bouk rivers for sampling.
- The O’Ta Bouk River flows through a gold mining operation before reaching the village.
- No results from the sampling have been made public to date.
What Happened
Authorities from Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment were dispatched to Mondul Yorn village in Ratanakiri province on February 13 to conduct water and sediment testing on the O’Ta Bouk River. This followed complaints from the Indigenous Brao community regarding health problems linked to declining water quality. From February 17-20, the Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute (IFReDI) sent two teams to catch 34 species of fish from the Sesan River and the O’Ta Bouk River for sampling. The O’Ta Bouk is a tributary that flows into the Sesan River, which feeds the Mekong, and it flows south through a gold mining operation in Ta Veng district before reaching Mondul Yorn.
Why this Matters to You
If you live in Mondul Yorn or rely on the O’Ta Bouk River, your health and livelihood may be directly affected. Villagers report the river turned brown and murky starting roughly in mid-2023, and the mud on its banks has become sticky. Many Brao farmers and fishers have avoided entering the water, drinking it, bathing in it, or fishing in the river, which could disrupt local food sources and daily routines. The ongoing investigation could lead to regulatory action that may affect the mining operation and potentially improve water safety.
What's Next
The results of the water, sediment, and fish sampling are pending and have not been made public. Once released, these findings could clarify the cause of the pollution and the associated health risks. Authorities may then decide on next steps, which could include further monitoring, environmental remediation, or regulatory measures targeting the upstream mining activity.