There has been public criticism over the approval of a new cement factory operating inside the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary by the Cambodian government and authorities. The approval was made to a local cement company despite a moratorium on new mining licenses imposed by the government in 2023.

Civil society and communities have raised concerns over environmental degradation, health risks from limestone dust and more broadly an impact on the ecosystem within Prey Lang following a series of articles allegedly reporting on mining operations for limestone and copper by Chhay Ching Heang Group (KP Cement’s parent company), Late Cheng Mining Development, Vantage Mining Cambodia and Nittetsu Mining.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited the alleged companies to respond but they did not.