DRC Ministry of Mines Launches Joint Inspection at TFM Following Air Pollution Allegations
DRC Mines Ministry Investigates Tenke Fungurume Mining Over Lualaba Air Quality Concerns
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Mines announced on March 18, 2026, the deployment of a joint inspection mission to the Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) site, a subsidiary of China Molybdenum Company (CMOC), following allegations of air pollution affecting communities in Lualaba province.
The move comes after a report by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) highlighted concerns about declining air quality around the mine.
The ministry emphasized that, at this stage, the allegations remain largely based on unverified claims and have not been confirmed through scientific or technical assessment.
The inspection mission will carry out comprehensive technical evaluations, including air quality monitoring, checks on industrial discharge compliance, and verification of adherence to environmental and social standards.
The results of the investigation will be compiled in a report, which may prompt administrative, environmental, or judicial action.
The decision to deploy the mission was made during a consultation meeting with TFM executives on March 18, during which the company was also asked to provide evidence of compliance with its environmental obligations.
Focus on the 30K Processing Plant
The EIA report primarily targets TFM’s 30K processing plant, where CMOC converts copper-cobalt ore into cobalt hydroxide.
Commissioned in 2023, the plant is the largest of its kind globally. The report claims elevated sulfur dioxide (SO₂) levels in surrounding areas and a corresponding increase in respiratory illnesses among local residents and some workers.
The NGO’s findings are based on an analysis of over 1,200 medical records, citing cases of coughs, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
TFM, however, disputes the report’s conclusions and rejects any link between its operations and the reported health issues.
Strengthening Environmental Oversight
The inspection aligns with broader government efforts to enhance environmental oversight in the DRC’s mining sector.
In January 2026, authorities required mining companies to demonstrate that financial guarantees for site rehabilitation had been secured and to submit approved environmental management plans.
CMOC’s Role in the DRC Mining Sector
CMOC is a leading mining operator in the DRC. Through its subsidiaries, TFM and Kisanfu, the company exported 747,468 metric tons of copper in 2025, accounting for 22% of the country’s total copper exports, according to provisional data.
The group is also a major producer of cobalt, having exported nearly 96,000 metric tons prior to the 2025 embargo, representing roughly 50% of national output.
The ongoing inspection reflects both the government’s commitment to environmental compliance and the strategic importance of CMOC’s operations to the DRC’s mining sector.
SOURCE:bankable.africa
