Lubumbashi: While areas rich in rare minerals may boost the economies of countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), they can also bring significant challenges for local populations. In the DRC, these mineral-rich regions often attract the attention of rebel groups and foreign investors who may not always adhere to environmental standards.
According to Global Voices, on November 4, 2025, a dam owned by Congo Dongfang Mining (CDM), a subsidiary of Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Ltd, collapsed in Lubumbashi, the second-largest city in the Haut-Katanga Province. The collapse resulted in the release of highly toxic water, polluting the surrounding environment and rivers. The incident led to the flooding of streets and homes, affecting areas such as the Moïse Katumbi market and rendering movement nearly impossible.
Local residents, like Alain Kozongo from Kasapa, have reported that the company often uses rains as an excuse to discharge wastewater. Witnesses allege that CDM has created pathways to release
acid-laden wastewater into nearby communities, causing recurrent flooding and environmental damage.
The aftermath of the incident saw dead aquatic life washing up on the banks of the Lubumbashi River. NGOs like Resource Matters have called for severe penalties for environmental crimes against the local population. Despite repeated warnings from NGOs such as Afrewatch in 2020, CDM denies any responsibility, and the government has yet to propose solutions to address the community’s grievances.
The release of water containing heavy metals like lead and arsenic has put the city on high alert. Provincial officials, including Interim Governor Matin Kazembe Shula and Minister of Mines Lucien Lumano, visited CDM to assess the situation. Contaminated well water has left residents without safe drinking water, with people like Aziza Muna worried about the future.
Environmental expert Dickson Kabange warns of the long-term impact, citing risks of disease and ecosystem damage. Despite this, the poverty-stricken locals,
such as Patrick Tshimanga, continue to consume potentially toxic fish from the river, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by the community.
Civil society organizations have called for stringent sanctions against CDM, urging the Congolese government to take action. Despite similar incidents in the region, enforcement of environmental regulations remains lax. The national Minister of Mines, Louis Wantum, has initiated discussions with CDM executives, while the Minister of Justice, Guillaume Ngefa, announced an investigation to hold those responsible accountable.