Arya News - The Ministry of Environment explained that the company’s wastewater storage pond lacked a proper treatment system. As a result, all wastewater from the milling and mineral processing areas is mixed with the rainwater drainage system.
PHNOM PENH – The Ministry of Environment has instructed the relevant authorities to rehabilitate the environment at the Kampong Speu mining site of Cambodian Xuan Yi Minerals CO., LTD. after its operations were suspended due to the contamination of a public water source that caused the death of fish and cattle last week.
The instruction was issued by
Environment minister Eang Sophalleth issued the order on December 7, during an inspection of the site, that polluted the O’Russey stream, in Khlong Popok, Chieb, Aphi Vath and Tang Krasang communes of Teuk Phos district.
“The ministry enforces the law without exception against companies that pollute the environment, based on the Environmental and Natural Resource Code. This company has violated the law and must be temporarily shut down. The authorities are requested to deploy forces to monitor the company’s activities to prevent further mining operations,” said Sophalleth.
The ministry implemented the shutdown after discovering that the company had violated environmental laws by discharging wastewater that affected the O’Russey water system. Test results from six water samples showed that water quality did not comply with public water standards — especially at five locations where cyanide levels were dangerously high. Cyanide is commonly used in the mining industry to extract gold from ore. CODCr, a parameter that indicates chemical substances discharged from factories and is normally not found in natural water, was detected at all sampling sites, although at low levels.
The ministry explained that the company’s wastewater storage pond lacked a proper treatment system. As a result, all wastewater from the milling and mineral processing areas mixed with the rainwater drainage system. In addition, the company lacked an adequate storage site for solid waste and hazardous substances and had failed to prepare the required Environmental Impact Assessment report, in accordance with the Environmental and Natural Resource Code and standard procedures.
“The ministry will thoroughly study the environmental impacts, including impacts on wildlife, livestock and the livelihoods of local residents. The ministry will take measures requiring the company to restore environmental damages, construct proper wastewater treatment ponds before discharge and compensate for environmental losses,” it stated.
It requested that authorities notify residents in the area to stop using the water, fishing or allowing livestock to drink from the stream until further notice.