The Congolese Government has officially declared a radiological emergency in the area of the T17 tailings dam, located in Kolwezi, in Lualaba Province. This announcement was made by the Ministry of Higher Education, Universities, Scientific Research and Innovation.

In a document signed in Kolwezi by the Minister, Prof. Dr Sombo Ayanne Safi Mukuna Marie-Thérèse, on 23 March 2026, the authorities state that this decision has been taken in accordance with the duty to protect the population and the environment. The measure follows artisanal mining at the site, which has led to the confirmed presence of radioactive materials.

According to the statement, this situation poses a major risk to public health, national security and the ecological balance. However, the government emphasises the need for immediate action to limit any contamination, secure the site and protect the exposed populations.

“Following the exploitation of the site by artisanal miners, the confirmed presence of radioactive materials poses a major risk to public health, national security and the ecological balance. In light of this worrying situation, it is imperative to act without delay in order to contain any form of contamination, rigorously secure the site and effectively protect the exposed populations,” the document states.

The authorities state that several measures have already been implemented. These include the involvement of qualified experts, the deployment of specialist teams on the ground, and the establishment of protection, decontamination and continuous monitoring systems. Inter-institutional coordination and scientific rigour are also highlighted as key to containing the situation.

The Ministry also reassures the public regarding the management of this crisis, affirming that all appropriate measures are currently being implemented. The government calls for collective vigilance and strict adherence to the guidelines issued by the competent authorities.

The authorities reaffirm the State’s commitment to mobilising the necessary resources, acting with transparency and preserving national sovereignty in the management of this radiological emergency.

The Editorial Team