DRC: In Kolwezi, residents take COMMUS and the Congolese state to court over mining pollution

In Kolwezi, 27 residents, including eight children, are suing mining company COMMUS, the Congolese state and the Congolese Environment Agency over harm they attribute to mining pollution. At the first hearing on November 3 at the Kolwezi Commercial Court, proceedings focused on procedural issues, and the merits have yet to be examined. The plaintiffs say a nearby stream was polluted, blocked and diverted, leading to the loss of fish and skin problems, and they allege they were denied access to the mine’s environmental and social impact assessment. They also accuse authorities of failing to adequately monitor COMMUS, which is controlled by Zijin Mining, and enforce environmental laws.