Toxic mine spill in Lubumbashi, DRCCEFR B2
29 Nov 2025
Adapted from Laura, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Max Tcvetkov, Unsplash
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.
Difficult words
- wastewater — water polluted by human or industrial activity
- contamination — presence of harmful substances in water or soil
- ecosystem — community of living things and their environment
- decontamination — process of removing dangerous pollution from an area
- suspension — temporary stopping of an activity or operation
- prosecution — legal action to charge and try responsible people
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could the contamination of wells and markets affect daily life and health in the affected neighborhoods?
- What steps should authorities and companies take to prevent similar mining spills in the future?
- How can communities balance the economic benefits of mining with the need for environmental protection and safety?
Related articles
Study: Year‑round RSV Immunization Could Reduce Big Outbreaks
A study in Science Advances finds that offering RSV immunizations year‑round would lower the chance of large seasonal outbreaks in the United States. Researchers compared spread in cities and rural areas and tested seasonal versus year‑round schedules.
Clock disruption speeds breast cancer in models
New research finds that repeating disruption of the body’s 24-hour clock changes breast tissue, weakens immune defenses and leads to faster, more aggressive breast cancer in experimental models. The study links altered light–dark schedules to worse outcomes.
Pet care at One Health Clinic helps youth get medical care
A study found that youth experiencing homelessness were more likely to receive medical care when clinics also offered veterinary care for their pets. The research looked at clients of the One Health Clinic in downtown Seattle and records from 2019–2022.
Mental health conditions raise risk of injury
A large study in Nature Mental Health found people with mental health conditions have higher risks of self-harm, assault and unintentional injuries. The research used population records and had US federal funding and calls for better prevention.
