A Chinese mining company in DR Congo must pay $6 million in compensation to communities affected by industrial wastewater pollution, despite suspending its operations.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Mines Ministry confirmed that Congo Dongfang International Mining (CDM) remains responsible for compensating residents following a toxic wastewater spill in Lubumbashi.
The company, a subsidiary of China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, operates in the country’s copper and cobalt industry.
DR Congo mining pollution affects three communities
The pollution incident occurred in November 2025 when industrial wastewater escaped from a containment basin at CDM’s Lubumbashi facility.
A government investigation found elevated concentrations of lead, arsenic and other toxic substances in nearby water sources. Investigators also reported environmental damage and biodiversity loss.
According to Reuters, the basin was designed to retain water but had reportedly been used to store acidic solutions.
Authorities ordered CDM to pay $2 million each to three affected communities: Kasapa, Kamatete and Kamisepe.
The total compensation amounts to $6 million.
Mining suspension does not remove payment obligations
Congolese authorities initially suspended CDM’s operations for three months following the incident.
However, the company subsequently announced another suspension of activities.
The Mines Ministry said the shutdown does not cancel its obligation to compensate affected communities.
Officials attributed delays in the compensation process partly to financial difficulties reported by CDM.
The company must also pay a separate $6.6 million penalty to the Congolese government.
Mining companies face growing environmental pressure
The dispute comes amid increasing scrutiny of mining operations in DR Congo, the world’s largest cobalt producer and second-largest copper producer.
In another case, 27 residents living near a Chinese-controlled copper and cobalt mine are seeking $6.3 million in damages over alleged pollution and health risks.
Other communities have also pursued legal action over alleged contamination of rivers and agricultural land.
The latest case highlights growing pressure on mining companies to strengthen environmental safeguards and compensate communities affected by industrial pollution.
As demand for copper and cobalt continues, environmental protection remains a major challenge for DR Congo’s mining industry.