Water pollution in DRC attributed to Chinese mining company

November 29, 2025

A dam owned by Congo Dongfang Mining (CDM), a Chinese subsidiary operating in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, collapsed on November 4, 2025, releasing highly toxic water containing lead and arsenic into surrounding communities and the Lubumbashi River. The contaminated water flooded residential areas, killed aquatic life, and poisoned wells that poor residents depend on for drinking water, creating serious health risks for local populations. Local residents claim the company has been illegally discharging acidic wastewater during rainstorms since 2012, using rainfall as cover for their activities.

Who is affected

Residents of Kasapa, Kamisepe, and Kamatete neighborhoods in Lubumbashi's Annexe Commune
Merchants at the "Moïse Katumbi" market who were forced to cease trading
Specific individuals including Alain Kozongo (local resident), Aziza Muna (60-year-old resident with contaminated well), and Patrick Tshimanga (resident who collected and consumed dead fish)
Communities in Lualaba, Haut-Katanga, and Tanganyika provinces affected by similar mining operations
Aquatic species in the Lubumbashi River that were killed by contamination
Farmers whose agricultural operations and food crops were impacted
Poor residents who cannot afford tap water and depend on now-contaminated wells

What action is being taken

The national Minister of Mines has suspended all of CDM's mining operations for three months (with possible extension)
Minister of Justice Guillaume Ngefa announced an investigation to identify those responsible and initiate legal proceedings
Provincial officials including the Interim Governor, Minister of Mines, and City Mayor visited CDM to inquire about the situation
NGOs including Resource Matters and "Mazingira pour Tous" are calling for immediate decontamination of affected rivers and implementation of public health protection measures
Calls are being issued throughout the city urging people to avoid eating fish from the Lubumbashi riverbanks and stop consuming water from these rivers

Why it matters

This incident represents a serious environmental crime with life-threatening consequences for impoverished communities who depend on contaminated water sources and are at risk of diseases from exposure to heavy metals like lead and arsenic. The disaster highlights a broader pattern of Chinese mining companies operating in mineral-rich regions of the DRC without regard for environmental standards, repeatedly causing harm to local populations while authorities remain largely indifferent. This case demonstrates the paradox of mining operations extracting minerals for green energy transitions while devastating local environments and communities, revealing the urgent need for effective environmental justice mechanisms. The incident also exposes systemic issues where economic interests from foreign investors take precedence over the health and safety of vulnerable local populations who have reportedly suffered similar flooding and contamination since 2012.

What's next

If necessary, the three-month suspension of CDM's mining operations will be extended
The Minister of Justice's investigation will work to identify those responsible and initiate legal proceedings against them
CDM and state institutions are being called upon to immediately decontaminate affected rivers and implement measures to protect public health

Read full article from source: Global Voices