Cambodia's Ministry of Mines and Energy has told local authorities to stamp out informal mining in Mondulkiri province. The appeal, issued on October 23, 2026, points specifically at digging in the Mesam area of Chong Phlas commune in Keo Seima district. Ministry officials want commune and district leaders, along with everyone else involved, to cooperate in halting the work. The call came after residents took to the streets to protest the practice, prompting the government's warning. Unlicensed digging in the province has been a recurring source of friction between operators and the communities who live nearby. Officials have promised that enforcement will follow the appeal, though no timeline was attached.