DRC Environmental Group Raises Alarm Over Mining Companies’ Neglect of Climate Resilience and Biodiversity
In a letter to the DRC’s Minister of Environment, DEC20, an organization of Congolese environmental entrepreneurs, voiced deep concerns about the failure of mining companies to address climate resilience and biodiversity loss in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The group highlighted that Gécamines, a state-owned mining company, has caused severe deforestation in Luena for fossil coal extraction without implementing a reforestation plan.
This has led to water pollution, the decline of earthworm populations, the disappearance of natural pollinators, and a collapse of bee colonies.
DEC20 also criticized MMR (Mining Mineral Resources SARL) and other mining firms for exposing local communities to polluted air while failing to develop reforestation or waste management strategies.
The mining companies, primarily operating in Luena and Malemba-Nkulu, have left behind greenhouse gas-emitting waste dumps, further worsening the region’s ecological health.
DEC20 noted that companies like CROWN MINING SARL and BENEFONE MINING SAS have not invested in environmental initiatives or provided any support for local communities to build ecological resilience.
Environmental activists argue that these practices directly contradict President Félix Tshisekedi’s ecological policy, which was reinforced by the revision of environmental protection laws in March 2023.
They stressed that rising temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions are exacerbating health issues such as hypertension and migraines, while also diminishing agricultural productivity.
DEC20 also expressed frustration over the lack of response from these companies to their requests for assistance, particularly concerning a repayable agricultural credit intended to uplift local cooperatives.
The initiative urged the government to enforce the country’s environmental laws and address the growing social and ecological challenges in mining regions.
