DRC Copper-Cobalt Mining: New Scientific Evidence of Air, Water and Soil Pollution in Lualaba Province

Four independent studies (June 2026, by RAID, AFREWATCH and Source International) document industrial-scale air, water and soil pollution around copper-cobalt mines in the DRC's Lualaba Province, which supplies over 70% of the world's cobalt. 

Dust (PM2.5/PM10) exceeded WHO guidelines at every monitored site (up to six times, with 98% of readings above safe limits) and water showed elevated copper, cobalt, manganese, arsenic, lead and uranium, with chemical analysis pointing to mining residues. The studies focus on operations near Kolwezi and Fungurume run by CMOC, Zijin and Glencore, and highlight a school where approximately 1,500 children study less than 500m from a waste dump. Backed by testimony from 150+ residents describing contaminated water, choking dust and worsening health, the reports expose a gap between the DRC's environmental laws and enforcement, and call on mining companies to fund an independent health assessment, the government to enforce its laws, and downstream firms to meet EU due diligence obligations.

Source: adapted from Raid UK, Jun 2026.