Alleged Pollution in Lupoto: SOMIKA Rejects IRDH Accusations and Calls for Scientific Evidence
A New Environmental Controversy
Environmental concerns linked to mining activities have once again become a topic of debate in Haut-Katanga.
Following recent warnings issued by the Human Rights Research Institute (IRDH) regarding alleged water pollution around the Lupoto mining site, Société Minière du Katanga (SOMIKA) released a statement strongly rejecting the accusations.
The company argues that the allegations are not supported by scientific evidence demonstrating large-scale environmental damage.
Concerns Raised by IRDH
In its alert, IRDH claimed that discharges from mining activities could contain non-biodegradable substances capable of gradually accumulating in fish, vegetable crops, and ultimately in the human body through the food chain.
The organization believes this situation could expose part of the population of Lubumbashi to risks of chronic toxicity.
IRDH has called for in-depth studies to assess the real extent of the impacts on local communities, the INERA artificial lake in Kipopo, fish ponds, and irrigated agricultural areas.
The organization also recalls that previous alerts have been documented in recent years, including an environmental protection report from October 2021 and correspondence from INERA in October 2025 mentioning signs of pollution in the Kipopo artificial lake.
SOMIKA’s Response
In response, SOMIKA stated that it conducted analyses in the areas mentioned by IRDH, including Kwampisha and along the Kasonte and Kibunduka rivers.
According to the company, the results revealed no signs of pollution and showed pH levels that comply with environmental standards.
SOMIKA acknowledged that a technical incident occurred following the perforation of a pipe. However, it insists that the issue was quickly controlled and repaired, rejecting any comparison to a tailings dam failure.
The company further criticized IRDH’s claims as lacking sufficient scientific support and stressed that accusations of pollution must be based on rigorous and verifiable analyses.
The Need for Independent Expertise
The difference between IRDH’s conclusions and SOMIKA’s findings highlights the importance of independent investigations capable of accurately assessing environmental conditions in the affected areas.
While civil society organizations are calling for greater transparency regarding the impacts of mining activities, mining companies continue to emphasize compliance with regulations and environmental monitoring procedures.
Additional investigations could help clarify responsibilities and reassure local communities.
MB – 7SUR7.CD
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