Kolwezi residents protest Ruashi Mining pollution
Residents of Dilungu and Bel Air neighbourhoods cite health problems and property damage, demanding compensation.
Residents of Dilungu and Bel Air in Kolwezi, Lualaba province, demonstrated on Friday, October 30, to protest environmental and health issues they attribute to Ruashi Mining's operations. They are seeking reparations for damages including cracks in their homes, dried-up crops, and increased health ailments.
The protesters marched to the company's facilities and submitted a memorandum detailing their grievances. They stated they have been alerting authorities to their situation since October 2025 without a satisfactory response. The memorandum specifically mentions cracked homes, damaged roofs, and withered plantations as consequences of the mining activities.
The residents also reported an increase in respiratory illnesses, skin irritations, and nosebleeds. They expressed deep concern and called for serious investigations to determine causes and responsibilities. The protesters regret the lack of concrete measures from authorities despite their repeated efforts since October 2025.