Gold refineries deprive Preah Vihear locals of their farming lands, contaminate their water

Villagers in the Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia, have expressed their concern about the encroachment of gold refineries in their lands amid noticeable absence of authority action.

Rights groups have warned that the fumes and emissions from the foreign gold mining companies are highly dangerous, accusing the companies of letting chemicals seep into canals and water resources in the villages.

A senior villager said the poisoned water does not only affect humans, but also animals.