The Ministry of Mines and Energy yesterday ordered a Lim Heng Group-owned construction firm to temporarily shut down operations following the death of three workers in a rock slide on Sunday.

“The inspector of the department ordered them to delay operations completely for the investigation,” ministry spokesman Dith Dina said in an email yesterday. “The ministry has ordered Lim Heng to urgently solve any issues with the families while the ministry sends inspectors to investigate the incident. The decision of . . . what action to take depends on the report of the inspectors,” the email continued.

He added that the company had the appropriate licences for mining and was registered with Social Security Fund.

According to Dina, the company’s accident report said an excavating machine was digging out earth and stone on a hillside when loose rocks began falling down the slope, burying a second excavator and the three victims below.

Ath Khem, Banteay Meanchey police chief, said provincial authorities are also investigating. The families have not yet been compensated, per O’Prasat commune chief Khim Mara.