Emerging Mining Sector to Be Subject to Grassroots Scrutiny

As mining companies continue to scour Cambodia for minerals, work is also under way to build a network of local monitors and activists to shed light on the country's often-opaque mining sector and its practices. ...{T]he Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy has granted an unknown number of licenses to mines, and scattered reports of companies breaking ground have emerged, said Mam Sambath, director of Development and Partnership in Action (DPA), whcih last month, with fellow NGO Equitable Cambodia, launched a guide to help educate villagers to scrutinize the mining sector. ... The guide includes explanations of legislation and advice on campaigning, including how to lobby the media, the international partners of mining companies and foreign embassies. ...