SOMIKA mining water analyses show no regulatory violations

Water quality analyses conducted near the Société Minière du Katanga (SOMIKA) facilities in the Haut-Katanga region show no violation of mining regulatory standards. The results were presented on August 22, 2026, by Laboratoire 50 K in the presence of civil society representatives, journalists, and local officials.

Following concerns regarding potential water pollution in areas such as the Inakiluba groupement and the Kipushi territory, experts collected samples from several sites, including Inakiluba, Kipopo, Kasonta, and Kibunduka. The testing covered various physico-chemical parameters, including pH, dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, chrome, nickel, copper, cobalt, cadmium, lead, manganese, aluminum, and turbidity.

The laboratory concluded that pH levels remained within the legal regulatory range of 6 to 9. Specifically, recorded pH values included 8.2 in the Inakiluba River, 7.96 at Kipopo, 7.93 at Kasonta, and 8.17 at Kibunduka. Guislain Kalwa, spokesperson for the Haut-Katanga civil society consultation framework, expressed satisfaction with the results, stating they indicate the population is not exposed to pollution hazards from the mining activities.