By Abdullahi Lukman
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has announced plans to carry out an official inspection of the Tenke Fungurume mine following allegations of air pollution and a worsening health crisis linked to operations by CMOC Group Ltd..
The decision comes after a report titled Toxic Transition by the Environmental Investigation Agency and PremiCongo accused the mining company’s subsidiary, Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM), of releasing harmful emissions.
The groups welcomed the government’s move and pledged cooperation, including sharing medical data and independent research on air quality.
Investigators say more than 1,200 medical records reveal widespread health issues among residents near the mine, including nosebleeds, coughing up blood, and respiratory illnesses—symptoms consistent with exposure to sulfur dioxide (SO₂).
Independent monitoring reportedly found pollution levels exceeding World Health Organization safety standards multiple times between late 2024 and early 2025.
The report also alleges that over 12,000 people have been displaced by mine expansion since 2022, with some residents claiming they received minimal compensation and were required to sign relocation agreements without full disclosure.
TFM has acknowledged responsibility for spikes in toxic gas emissions in 2023 and 2024 after previously denying them.
However, the company disputes the extent of the findings and questions the existence of a public health crisis.
Local advocates, including PremiCongo coordinator Christian Bwenda, described the government’s action as a significant step toward accountability, urging authorities to fully investigate pollution impacts on affected communities.
EIA has called for a transparent inspection process, including the public release of emissions data, while also proposing community-led air monitoring initiatives.
The organization emphasized that under DRC mining law, companies can be held liable for environmental damage and health impacts caused by their activities.
Meanwhile, the report criticizes major automakers such as BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Stellantis for remaining silent despite sourcing cobalt from the mine.
EIA maintains its findings and is calling for urgent action from both the company and global supply chain partners to address environmental and human rights concerns.