Kipushi pollution case: Analysis results clear SOMIKA

Environmental analyses conducted in Kipushi, Democratic Republic of Congo, have exonerated the mining company SOMIKA from accusations of polluting the environment in the Kibunduka village.

The findings, published on August 23, 2026, followed allegations that SOMIKA's operations were contaminating local water sources. However, results from samples taken from several water bodies in the region revealed a pH level indicating that water from SOMIKA's installations does not contain environmental pollutants, according to the civil society framework of Haut-Katanga.

A joint delegation, including civil society representatives, experts, journalists, local community members, and the village chief of Kibunduka, visited the affected areas. They inspected watercourses receiving discharge from SOMIKA's facilities. Experts collected samples from various sites, including Kwampisha village, the Kasonta River, and the Kibunduka River, as well as the Kipopo River within the perimeter.

Laboratory analyses concluded there was no environmental pollution linked to the mining company's activities. Patrick Baruti, SOMIKA's human resources director, stated that the pH levels of all samples fell within the legal norm of 6 to 9. Guislain Kalwa, spokesperson for the civil society framework of Haut-Katanga, expressed satisfaction with the results, confirming that the population is not exposed to pollution risks and that the findings meet regulatory standards. He added that they remain open to further investigation if issues arise.