Illegal miners tread carefully
In a remote part of Ratanakkiri, Lan Yorn ekes out an existence mining for gems. In his quest to provide for his family, Yorn engages in highly dangerous work illegally digging mines as deep as 12 metres with only the most basic of equipment. … Government officials say that unlicensed mining in search of minerals is a problem among rural villagers desperate to make money. … But that hasn’t stopped dozens of people from rushing to Yorn’s district in Ratanakkiri. At last count, he knew of 50 individual miners in the area. … Chhay Sarath, a former director of an organisation that monitors the mining sector, believes villagers have the right to mine for a living and deserve assistance from the government to help make their work safe. “Many don’t have a choice and must mine to make [a living],” he said. “And I personally think they should have access to natural resources.” … Combined with the government’s encouraging miners to form joint ventures that could help them collectively buy better equipment, the training would greatly improve practices, Sarath added. …
Shane Worrell and May Titthara
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/illegal-miners-tread-carefully
