Air pollution in Fungurume: Is Manomapia dying under the 30K plant?

Tenke Fungurume Mining’s (TFM) 30K plant is massively polluting the air breathed by communities living near Fungurume in Lualaba Province. Between November 2025 and July 2026, the Consortium Mazingira Pour Tous, in collaboration with Resource Matters, conducted a scientific and qualitative investigation to document the real impacts of this pollution. The results leave no doubt: sulfur dioxide (SO₂) concentrations exceeding WHO guidelines, respiratory and eye symptoms affecting 90% of Manomapia residents, and persistent inaction by authorities in the face of flagrant violations of environmental and human rights. This report provides the scientific, clinical, and legal evidence of a silent health crisis that institutional silence can no longer conceal.

The report presents irrefutable data: SO₂ peaks at 0.7 ppm (3.7 times the WHO threshold), longitudinal monitoring of 209 participants confirming widespread prevalence of irritative symptoms, and 47 interviews documenting devastating socio-economic impacts on the populations. But this is more than an alert report, it is also a call to action.

The Consortium Mazingira Pour Tous calls on national and provincial authorities to conduct a joint inspection involving independent experts, relevant ministries, and TFM representatives, with results that must be made public. Authorities must ensure comprehensive medical care for affected populations for documented symptoms and establish a transparent compensation fund for victims and families. The development of a national air quality standard for SO₂, aligned with WHO recommendations, is also imperative.

TFM must urgently install adequate filtration systems and smokestacks to significantly reduce pollutant emissions and publish real-time atmospheric monitoring data. The company must establish genuine dialogue with communities and document its responses to raised concerns. It must also establish a fund for medical care and compensation of affected populations, thereby acknowledging its responsibility in this health crisis.

Download the report and join the call to transform the right to a healthy environment from a promise into reality in Fungurume.

This report is only available in French. 

View the Report