Authorities in Xaysomboun Arrest Three in Illegal Gold Mining Crackdown

This Week

Authorities in Xaysomboun have arrested three people and seized heavy equipment during a targeted operation against illegal gold mining in Anouvong district.

Provincial authorities and relevant agencies conducted the inspection on 31 May at an unauthorized gold mining site in Nam Yon village. Officers discovered a group allegedly engaged in illegal alluvial gold mining and detained three workers at the site. They also confiscated two excavators, two water pumps, gold processing equipment, gold-trapping carpets, and other mining tools reportedly used in the operation.

Seized machinery and equipment have been handed over to provincial security authorities as evidence, while legal proceedings continue against the suspects. Authorities confirmed that investigations into the Xaysomboun case are ongoing.

The operation is part of Laos’ broader push to strengthen natural resource management, protect the environment, and crack down on illegal activities that threaten sustainable development.

This case comes amid wider efforts across the country.

Between 20 and 23 May, officials in Savannakhet province dismantled illegal gold mining and logging operations in Phin and Sepon districts, arresting eleven suspects and seizing heavy machinery, timber, and more than one kilogram of mercury used in gold extraction.

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