Lubumbashi, DRC — The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has suspended operations at a Chinese-owned mining site following a toxic spill that caused serious water pollution and raised health concerns among local communities.
According to Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba, the facility operated by Congo Dongfang International Mining (CDM) — a subsidiary of China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt — failed to meet environmental standards and endangered nearby residents.
“CDM must fully repair the environmental damage, ensure the remuneration of its staff, compensate the affected populations, and strictly comply with the requirements of the Mining Code,” Watum said on Thursday.
The minister added that the three-month suspension could be extended if necessary, depending on the results of an ongoing investigation.
Toxic Spill Sparks Health Fears in Lubumbashi
The suspension follows reports of a chemical spill that contaminated water sources in and around Lubumbashi, the DRC’s second-largest city.
Watum said the spill had affected several neighborhoods, prompting him to travel to the region personally to oversee the government’s response.
Environmental experts have warned that toxic metals from mining activities can pollute rivers and groundwater, posing long-term health risks such as skin diseases, respiratory infections, and heavy metal poisoning.
Environmental Breach and Regulatory Crackdown
CDM is one of the largest buyers of copper and cobalt in Congo — a country that produces more than 70% of the world’s cobalt, a critical mineral used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy technologies.
However, the government has recently intensified efforts to enforce environmental and safety standards across the mining sector, which has long been plagued by illegal practices, child labor, and pollution.
“No company will be allowed to operate outside the law,” Watum emphasized, noting that companies found violating the Mining Code could face long-term suspension or license revocation.
Impact on the Global Cobalt Market
Earlier this year, Congo temporarily froze all cobalt exports in a bid to control supply and stabilize global prices. The export ban, which lasted from February until October 16, was lifted under a new quota system — but industry sources told Reuters that producers are still waiting for export approvals to resume shipments.
Analysts warn that the suspension of CDM’s operations could tighten cobalt supply chains once again, potentially impacting global electric vehicle manufacturers, particularly in China and Europe.
Community Compensation and Cleanup Plan
The Congolese government has ordered CDM to:
- Fully repair environmental damage caused by the spill
- Compensate all affected communities
- Continue paying employees during the suspension
- Implement corrective environmental measures
An independent investigation team has been dispatched to assess the extent of contamination and recommend long-term solutions for water treatment and ecosystem restoration.
A Growing Rift Over Chinese Mining Practices in Africa
This latest suspension adds to a series of environmental and labor disputes involving Chinese-owned mines across Africa, where Beijing-backed companies have faced accusations of ecological damage and exploitation.
Congo, rich in copper, cobalt, and lithium, remains central to the global green energy transition, yet the country continues to struggle with balancing foreign investment and sustainable development.
Experts say the government’s firm stance against CDM could signal a turning point in how African nations enforce accountability among foreign mining investors.
