Toxic mine spill in Lubumbashi, DRC ^{CEFR B2}

On November 4, 2025 a dam at a copper‑and‑cobalt mine in Lubumbashi collapsed, releasing highly toxic, acid‑laden wastewater into surrounding areas. The mine is run by Congo Dongfang Mining (CDM), a subsidiary of Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Ltd. After the collapse, acidic water filled ditches, overflowed into houses and roads, and flooded the Moïse Katumbi market, making movement in parts of the city nearly impossible.

Witnesses and local people report that CDM created channels through the southern wall of its site to dispose of large quantities of acid‑laden wastewater. Residents say the neighborhoods Kasapa, Kamisepe and Kamatete have suffered floods and house collapses linked to mining discharges every rainy season since 2012. In 2020 the NGO Afrewatch warned the company and authorities to protect the environment and nearby communities.

The spill released water containing dangerous heavy metals, including lead and arsenic, and several residents reported well contamination. Aziza Muna, 60, said the well in her plot was filled with acidic water. Because of poverty, some families collected and ate dead fish; Patrick Tshimanga said he gathered about 70 tilapias and 55 catfish, ate some and sold the rest despite warnings the fish were toxic. Environment researcher Dickson Kabange warned of ecosystem erosion, disappearance of aquatic species and a risk of disease and possible deaths without preventive state measures.

Provincial and city officials visited the site; named visitors include Matin Kazembe Shula, Lucien Lumano and Patrick Kafwimbi. Civil society groups such as Resource Matters, the Mazingira pour Tous consortium and Justicia Asbl demanded sanctions, prosecution of CDM executives and river decontamination. On November 6, 2025 Louis Wantum, the national Minister of Mines, announced a three‑month suspension of all CDM activities. On November 22, 2025 Guillaume Ngefa, Minister of Justice, said an investigation will be opened to identify those responsible and start legal proceedings. The case raises wider concerns about mining in Haut‑Katanga, Lualaba and Tanganyika provinces, where several companies, primarily Chinese, extract copper and cobalt, and activists say environmental justice mechanisms must be stronger for affected communities.