Four mining companies digging stone in Banteay Meanchey province that are purportedly owned by a military commander and other officers have carried on mining despite a government ban.

The provincial authority secured a ban on the mining operations in Serey Sophorn town late last year over fears the mining would disrupt eco-tourism plans.

Meng Saktheara, secretary of state at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, said the four companies – identified as Plun Hong, Yoeurm Kong, Lach Hok, and Nham Vun – had been told to stop mining and other unspecified activities.

Soum Chankea, provincial coordinator for rights group Adhoc, said the firms were continuing to operate yesterday, adding that they were owned by Plun Dara, a provincial military commander, and the wife of former provincial governor Tuo Thean Teu, who has claimed to be a bodyguard of Prime Minister Hun Sen. Thean Teu declined to comment and Dara could not be reached.