Congo Shuts Down Chinese Mine After Toxic Spill in Lubumbashi
Watum said he traveled to Lubumbashi, Congo’s second-largest city, after reports that a spill from CDM’s operations had polluted water sources and affected several neighborhoods
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has suspended operations at a Chinese-run mining site in the country’s south following a spill that contaminated nearby areas, Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba announced on Thursday night
Congo Dongfang International Mining (CDM) a subsidiary of China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt mainly extracts copper and cobalt, key minerals in global electric battery production
Watum said he traveled to Lubumbashi, Congo’s second-largest city, after reports that a spill from CDM’s operations had polluted water sources and affected several neighborhoods
“The company does not meet environmental standards, causing water pollution and exposing residents to serious health risks,” Watum stated on X (formerly Twitter)
The government has imposed an initial three-month suspension, which could be extended. CDM is required to repair environmental damage, compensate affected residents, pay its staff, and comply with all mining regulations. Authorities have also launched a formal investigation into the incident
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Congo, which supplies more than 70% of the world’s cobalt, had earlier frozen exports of the metal in February to manage supply and boost prices
Exports resumed on October 16 under a quota system, but some producers still await government clearance to restart shipments, according to industry sources
