Tenke Fungurume Mine Accused of Polluting Air and Harming Communities in DR C
“ Toxic Transition ” Report Links Cobalt Mining in DR Congo to Health Risks for Communities
Cobalt and copper extracted in the Democratic Republic of Congo play a critical role in the global energy transition, particularly in the production of batteries for electric vehicles.
However, a new report warns that the extraction of these strategic minerals may be causing serious health problems for communities living near major mining operations.
The report, titled “Toxic Transition,” was published by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and the Congolese civil society group PremiCongo.
It examines the environmental and health impacts linked to mining activities in the country’s copper-cobalt belt.
Health concerns linked to mining operations
The investigation focuses particularly on activities carried out by CMOC Group Limited, the world’s largest cobalt producer and operator of the Tenke Fungurume Mine.
According to the report, mining operations at the site especially around the 30K processing plant, operated by CMOC since 2023, may be contributing to air pollution affecting nearby communities.
Investigators claim residents and workers have reported symptoms such as persistent coughing, nosebleeds, and in severe cases vomiting blood.
The findings are based on an analysis of more than 1,200 anonymized medical records from a clinic near the mine, independent air quality monitoring, and interviews conducted with workers, local residents, and company insiders.
Researchers concluded that the expansion of the Tenke Fungurume operation has had negative consequences for some local populations.
“This report highlights the human cost of the global energy transition and the rise of electric vehicles, while car manufacturers continue to turn a blind eye to their supply chains,” said Christian Bwenda, coordinator of PremiCongo.
Mining company rejects pollution allegations
In response, Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) rejected the report’s conclusions and denied that its operations are causing environmental pollution.
The company stated that monitoring data collected between late 2024 and early 2025 shows that sulfur dioxide (SO₂) concentrations remain within regulatory limits.
TFM also emphasized that safety procedures require all personnel to stop hazardous work immediately if risks are identified, and that operations cannot resume until conditions are deemed safe.
Questions over supply chains in the electric vehicle industry
The report also raises concerns about the responsibilities of international car manufacturers that rely on cobalt produced at Tenke Fungurume.
According to the investigation, several major automakers including BMW, Mercedes Benz, Peugeot, and Volkswagen source cobalt originating from the mine for use in electric vehicle batteries.
Alexander von Bismarck of the Environmental Investigation Agency argued that manufacturers benefiting from the mineral should assume greater responsibility for monitoring the environmental and social impacts within their supply chains.
Several companies cited in the report acknowledged that cobalt from Tenke Fungurume may indirectly enter their production chains. Some have indicated they will review the findings.
Mercedes-Benz said it intends to engage in dialogue with the mining operator, while BMW stated it would investigate any potential breaches of its supply chain standards.
Governance and certification under scrutiny
The allegations also raise broader questions about compliance with international environmental and social standards in the mining industry.
In 2024, the Tenke Fungurume operation became the first Chinese-owned mine in Africa to receive certification from the Copper Mark, an international framework designed to promote responsible production practices, including labour rights and environmental protections.
However, the Environmental Investigation Agency argues that the credibility of such certification could be undermined if allegations of environmental and health impacts persist.
For its part, Tenke Fungurume Mining stated in 2025 that its operations fully met 100% of the 31 applicable criteria required under the Copper Mark standard.
The debate highlights the growing challenge of balancing the demand for critical minerals essential for the global transition to clean energy with the need to ensure responsible mining practices and the protection of local communities.
