Toxic mine spill in Lubumbashi, DRCCEFR A1
29 Nov 2025
Adapted from Laura, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Max Tcvetkov, Unsplash
- A dam at a mine collapsed on November 4, 2025.
- The mine is in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga Province.
- Congo Dongfang Mining runs the mine.
- Acidic and toxic water flowed into streets.
- Water entered houses and flooded a market.
- Dead fish appeared on the river banks.
- Some wells became dirty and unsafe to drink.
- People collected and ate dead fish because they are poor.
- Officials visited the site but gave no solutions first.
- Mining work was suspended for three months.
Difficult words
- mineral — Natural substances found in the earth.minerals
- environmental — Related to nature and the surroundings.
- polluted — Contaminated or dirty, not clean.
- toxin — Harmful substances that can make you sick.toxins
- flooding — Water covering land that is usually dry.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you feel about mining companies?
- What can be done to protect the environment?
- Have you ever seen pollution in your area?
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