The Initiative for the Protection of Human Rights and Social Reintegration (IPDHOR) and Action for Integral and Sustainable Development (ADID), two organizations committed to defending human rights and protecting the environment, express their deep concern about the severe ecological degradation observed in Lualaba province, particularly in the areas along the Kelangile and Kintshitshi Rivers.

Since April 10, 2025, the local population has been warning of the presence of whitish toxic substances believed to be coming from the 30K plant of the Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) company. These substances have contaminated soils and rivers, and destroyed more than 350 market gardens, endangering the local ecosystem and the livelihoods of hundreds of families. During monitoring at the Kabombwa site, we observed significant crop burns, particularly on tomato, onion, cabbage, amaranth, sugarcane, guava, and cucurbit plants.

This situation has dramatic socio-economic consequences for local communities, for whom agriculture is their main source of income, essential for children’s schooling and daily survival.

In light of the above, we request:

1. The National Ministry of the Environment:

* Dispatch an independent, multi-sectoral inspection mission to the TFM sites;

* Implement a rapid and transparent environmental assessment to establish the responsibility of the offending company;  Take appropriate administrative and legal measures in the event of non-compliance with environmental standards.

2. To the Governor of Lualaba Province:

* Create a special provincial environmental audit and monitoring commission, including representatives of local communities and civil society;

* Support efforts to identify, repair, and compensate families affected by crop destruction.

3. To the Congolese Environmental Agency (ACE):

*Conduct an independent scientific assessment of the nature of the spilled substances

* Publish a public technical report on the ecological and health impacts of this pollution.

* Require TFM to restore degraded agricultural land and implement a remediation plan.

We reiterate that local communities have the right to a healthy environment, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the DRC and international instruments ratified by our country. IPDHOR and ADID reaffirm their commitment to closely monitoring this case and supporting the victims in their pursuit of environmental justice and fair reparation.