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Mining industry

Park Rangers Crack Down on Illegal Gold Mining Operation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Park rangers from the Stung Treng Provincial Department of Environment, in collaboration with community forces, have successfully shut down an illegal gold mining operation in the Okapin Nature Protected Area, arresting 10 suspects and confiscating equipment and means used to commit the crime. The operation, which took place in early July 2025, targeted a gold mining site in the Vern Sai-Siem Pang National Park area, located in Stung Treng province. The joint forces patrolled, investigated, and suppressed all kinds of natural resource crimes in the area, resulting in the arrest of 10 suspects, including three engaged in illegal gold mining activities.

Key Takeaways:

  • 10 suspects were arrested by park rangers and community forces in relation to an illegal gold mining operation in the Okapin Nature Protected Area.
  • The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Ochay Nature Protected Area and the community forces of the Okapin Nature Protected Area.
  • The joint forces confiscated equipment and means used to commit the crime, including 2 Mak Yadong engines, 4 gold mining equipment (changmang), and 4 motorbikes.
  • Two of the suspects were released after questioning, while the remaining eight were held for further investigation.
  • The case was sent to the provincial court, with the court deciding to detain all eight suspects in the Stung Treng Provincial Prison.

Statistics:

  • 10 suspects were arrested in relation to the illegal gold mining operation.
  • 2 Mak Yadong engines were confiscated.
  • 4 gold mining equipment (changmang) were seized.
  • 4 motorbikes were confiscated without license plates.
  • 2 boys were released after questioning, while 8 suspects were held for further investigation.
  • The operation targeted a gold mining site in the Vern Sai-Siem Pang National Park area, located in Kiri Vongsa Krom village, Santephap commune, Siem Pang district, Stung Treng province.

Sources:

  • Stung Treng Provincial Department of Environment
  • Vern Sai-Siem Pang National Park Office of the Stung Treng Provincial Department of Environment
  • Stung Treng Provincial Court
  • Prosecutor's Office of the Stung Treng Provincial Court
  • Local community forces of the Okapin Nature Protected Area
  • Local community forces of the Ochay Nature Protected Area

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