World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
Cambodia’s resumed sand exports raise concerns for fishing communities
Cambodia resumed sand exports to Singapore in June, after a ban that began in 2017.
Trade data show that more than 694,000 tons were exported from June to September 2026.
The sand is being mined on the Trapeang Rung River, about 10 kilometers upstream from Koh Sralao, a fishing village in Koh Kong province.
Around 300 families in the village rely on nearby waters for fish, crabs and mollusks.
Fishers say mining vessels have blocked access to places where they used to fish and that their catches have fallen.
They and conservationists fear dredging could harm seagrass beds, mangroves and breeding areas for aquatic life.
The renewed trade follows earlier mining that damaged ecosystems and livelihoods, and residents fear the damage could happen again.
The operation has been approved by provincial authorities, while the sources do not say what action will follow residents’ concerns.
Cambodia resumed sand exports to Singapore after a nine-year ban.
Trade statistics show that more than 694,000 tons of sand, valued at $3.47 million, were exported from June to September 2026.
Mining is taking place on the Trapeang Rung River, about 10 kilometers upstream from Koh Sralao in Koh Kong province.
Fishers say mining vessels have blocked access to fishing grounds and affected their catch.
Residents and a conservationist fear dredging could damage habitats and fisheries in the area’s mangrove estuary.
- Who
- Cambodian sand exporters and mining operators are involved; fishers in Koh Sralao say the operation is harming their access to fishing grounds.
- What
- Sand exports to Singapore have resumed, with mining underway on the Trapeang Rung River.
- When
- Exports resumed in June 2026. More than 694,000 tons were exported from June to September 2026.
- Where
- The mining operation is on the Trapeang Rung River in Koh Kong province, Cambodia; the sand is exported to Singapore.
- Why
- Provincial authorities approved the operation to extract sand for export to Singapore. Mongabay reported that the sand is likely being used in a government-backed reclamation project.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Cambodia’s government banned the sand trade after dredging damaged ecosystems and livelihoods.
Sand exports to Singapore resumed, and a fisher reported seeing mining barges near Koh Sralao.
Cambodian trade statistics recorded more than 694,000 tons of sand exports, valued at $3.47 million.
A photograph showed a sand mining operation along the Trapeang Rung River in Koh Kong province.
- Export volume
- More than 694,000 tons
- Export value
- $3.47 million
- Export period
- June–September 2026
- Mining location
- Trapeang Rung River, Koh Kong province, Cambodia
- Distance from Koh Sralao
- About 10 kilometers upstream
- Families in Koh Sralao
- About 300
What people are saying
It’s impossible to go now because they will destroy my nets
Since the sand mining operation started, it has affected all of my catch
for long periods of time until they are able to recover