DRC Residents Sue Chinese-Controlled Copper-Cobalt Mine for $6.3 Million over Alleged Pollution

Twenty-seven residents living near the COMMUS copper and cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have filed a $6.3 million lawsuit against the mine’s operator, alleging that pollution from its operations has damaged their health and the surrounding environment.

The lawsuit, supported by UK-based corporate watchdog RAID and Congolese non-profit organisation AFREWATCH, targets the mine controlled by Chinese mining giant Zijin Mining.

According to a joint statement by the two organisations, the claimants include eight children and are seeking approximately $1.3 million in compensation, alongside $5 million for environmental restoration.

COMMUS has rejected the allegations, telling Reuters that it intends to contest the claims. The company said it takes its responsibilities towards local communities and the environment seriously.

Scientific studies cited in pollution claims

The lawsuit draws on scientific studies commissioned by RAID and AFREWATCH, which reportedly identified elevated levels of particulate pollution and water contamination in areas surrounding the mine.

The organisations are supporting the residents’ legal action and say the findings provide evidence of environmental harm linked to mining activities.

Under the DRC’s 2018 Mining Code, mining companies can be held liable for environmental damage unless they demonstrate that the damage resulted from factors unrelated to their operations.

RAID and AFREWATCH said the case could have wider implications for communities living near industrial mining operations.

“If successful, the case could pave the way for other communities living near industrial mines to seek justice,” the organisations said.

Government and environmental regulator also targeted

The lawsuit, filed at the Commercial Court in Kolwezi, also names the Congolese state and the country’s environmental regulator, ACE.

The claimants accuse the government and regulator of failing to adequately monitor the mine and enforce environmental regulations.

The DRC’s mines ministry and ACE had not immediately responded to Reuters’ requests for comment. The court also did not immediately provide documents relating to the case.

COMMUS ownership and production capacity

COMMUS is 67% owned by Zijin Mining, while state-owned mining company Gecamines and the Congolese government hold minority stakes.

According to the company, the operation has production capacity of more than 120,000 metric tonnes of copper and 2,000 tonnes of cobalt annually.

The legal action comes as the DRC continues to play a central role in global mineral supply chains. The country is the world’s largest cobalt producer and second-largest copper producer.

The outcome could test how effectively environmental protections are applied in one of the world’s most important mining jurisdictions, particularly as demand for copper and cobalt remains strategically significant to global industry.