"Villagers Demand Compensation From Global Green Mining For Clearing Farm", 15 January 2024

At least 10 families are demanding compensation from a private company, which cleared farms and forest land to build an access road to explore iron ore mining in Preah Vihear province.

…, some 100 villagers, whose lands are potentially at risk due to the mining activity, protested against Global Green (Cambodia) Energy Development Co Ltd for clearing forest areas. The company wants to develop an access road to the company’s mining site, located in Chhep district’s Sangke I commune…

Due to the protest, the company’s attempt to build the road was thwarted by the protest. The company is expected to hold a meeting with villagers …, according to villagers.

Preah Vihear provincial spokesperson Nop Vuthy said the authorities have asked the Global Green to temporarily stop clearing land and find a resolution for the villagers, whose crops were affected.

“They have postponed [clearance activity]. We are asking the company to resolve the issue with villagers who cultivated crops there,” he said.

… He said the company, which possessed a Ministry of Mines and Energy license to explore an area covering 15 square kilometers for iron ore, has recently started to clear the area to gain access. About 100 families live in the affected land…

According to EC’s report …, gold mining activities fail to provide information and ensure ground consultations. As a whole, these projects affect the rights of local communities and their benefits…

Global Green (Cambodia) Energy Development board of chairman Hann Sinath, who is listed on the Ministry of Commerce’s business register, did not respond to calls.