Sand Dredging Operations Halted in Cambodia

In order to study the environment and social impact of a practice that has caused deadly river bank collapse incidents, Cambodian government has ordered a temporary halt to all sand dredging operations in the country’s rivers and lakes.

The moratorium was set yesterday at a meeting of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Ministry of Environment, police and military police, according to Radio Free Asia.

“The government will also stop issuing any new licenses until the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Mines and Energy discuss with local authorities at all levels first,” Minister of Mines and Energy Suy Sem said.

Under the policy, holders of sand dredging business licenses must submit new applications.

“In order to avoid illegal sand dredging, we can extend licenses to meet sand demand,” concluded the minister.