Cambodia: Concerns Over Illegal Mining

Cambodians are driven into the small-scale mining industry due to the lack of job opportunities elsewhere, Chhut Wutty, an environmental activist, said. Local officials tend to let the operations continue because they know miners have few other options for making a living, he said.

But the toll on the environment is increasing, especially that on natural water resources, Chhut Wutty said. The government must regulate the use of chemicals such as mercury, he said. 
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2011121653444/Business/concerns-over-illegal-mining.html