{"id":22551,"date":"2026-10-21T08:47:10","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T08:47:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivasalud.be\/?p=22551"},"modified":"2026-10-21T10:01:41","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T10:01:41","slug":"the-right-to-health-the-consequences-of-mining-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivasalud.be\/en\/blog\/2026\/10\/21\/droit-a-la-sante-les-consequences-de-lexploitation-miniere-en-rd-congo\/","title":{"rendered":"The right to health: the consequences of mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Toxic substances and contamination <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Lubumbashi, in the south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the intensive exploitation of mineral resources is having a severe impact on the health and living conditions of the population. The extraction and processing of minerals lead to the contamination of the air, water and soil, particularly with heavy metals. This pollution is not confined to industrial sites: it spreads to the surrounding neighbourhoods, exposing residents to toxic substances and putting their health at risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking action for healthier living conditions <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This situation raises a fundamental question: that of respect for the Congolese people\u2019s right to health, as their living conditions are directly affected by destructive mining. Faced with this situation, the population is organising and mobilising, notably with the support of organisations such as ours \u00c9toile du Sud partner<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong> to protect their health and their environment, and to make their demands heard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this webinar, we will examine the direct consequences of this pollution, the mechanisms by which the environment is contaminated, and the responsibilities of the state and international mining companies. We will also highlight the actions taken by local communities to ensure their right to health and a healthy environment is upheld. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To discuss this, we will be joined by three experts: <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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