A man was killed while he was digging for gemstones on Thursday in Ratanakkiri province’s Bakeo district.

Laminh commune chief Pen Sophon said Lev Sophat, 42, was killed immediately after the mine he was working in collapsed, leaving behind his wife and three children.

He was digging alone about 10 metres into the ground. On top of farming, villagers in the commune also search for gems for a living – against the authority’s warnings, he said.

Sophon said villagers usually dig up to 20 metres into the ground, using torches to work in the mine.