Lubumbashi: One year after pollution blamed on CDM, IRDH demands investigation report and compensation for victims

One year after the industrial wastewater spill on November 4, 2025, attributed to Congo Dongfang International Mining (CDM), the communities of Kasapa, Kamatete and Kamisepe in Lubumbashi are still waiting for the official damage assessment report. Civil society organizations said more than 2.5 million cubic metres of heavy-metal-laden wastewater entered densely populated neighbourhoods. IRDH and its partners are demanding publication of the report and implementation of compensation announced at $6 million for collective reparations and $682,067 for individual claims. They also recall that CDM’s return to operations was conditional on corrective measures, including at least five years of health monitoring and free care for affected people.