Residents of Dilungu and Bel Air neighborhoods in Kolwezi, Lualaba province, took to the streets on October 30 to denounce the environmental and health impacts they attribute to Ruashi Mining's activities. The protesters claim that the mining company's operations have caused cracks in their homes, dried up their plantations, and increased health problems. They demand compensation for the damages they say they have suffered. The protest led the demonstrators to the company's facilities, where they submitted a memorandum to its officials.
The memorandum, read by a representative of the residents' committee, states that they have been alerting authorities to their situation since October 2025 but have not received a satisfactory response. The residents cite several damages they associate with Ruashi Mining's activities, including cracked homes, dried-up plantations, and deteriorated roofs. They also report an increase in health problems, such as respiratory diseases, skin irritations, and nosebleeds.
The residents express concern that these phenomena require serious investigation to determine their causes and establish potential responsibilities. They deplore the lack of concrete measures to address their concerns, despite multiple démarches with competent authorities since October 2025. The protesters demand that their situation be examined and that they receive compensation for the damages they have suffered.
Radio Okapi was unable to obtain a reaction from Ruashi Mining regarding these accusations. The company's activities have been previously criticized by local authorities and organizations, who have raised concerns about the environmental impact of mining in the region. In October 2025, a provincial deputy demanded that Ruashi Mining cease its activities, citing pollution concerns.
The situation in Kolwezi highlights the challenges faced by local communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where mining activities often have significant environmental and social impacts. The Congolese government has faced criticism for its handling of mining-related issues, with some accusing it of prioritizing economic interests over environmental and social concerns.
The protest in Kolwezi is not an isolated incident, as similar concerns have been raised in other parts of the country. In Lubumbashi, an NGO called AFRIWATCH recently denounced the destruction of fields by waste from Ruashi Mining. The incident underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the mining sector.
The residents of Dilungu and Bel Air neighborhoods hope that their concerns will be heard and addressed by the authorities. They await a response from Ruashi Mining and the government, which will determine the next steps in their struggle for compensation and environmental protection.
Key points
- Residents of Kolwezi protested against Ruashi Mining's environmental impact, citing cracks in homes, dried-up plantations, and health problems.
- The protesters demand compensation for damages and concrete measures to address their concerns.
- The situation highlights the challenges faced by local communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where mining activities often have significant environmental and social impacts.
