Residents of Kolwezi, located in the southern Democratic Republic of the Congo, are increasingly anxious about the detrimental effects of mining operations conducted by the Chinese company, Compagnie minière de Musonoi (Comus). Over the past decade, nearly half of the central area, which houses the main commercial activities, has been lost due to the expansion of mining operations. This has led to the destruction of numerous homes and forced the relocation of many families, causing deep concern among the local population and non-governmental organizations.

As reported, the commercial center of Kolwezi has transformed from a bustling hub into a landscape filled with ruins as buildings have collapsed under the pressure of mining activities. Local resident Beatrice Kalume highlights this troubling situation, noting the dire atmosphere in the vicinity of the central shopping district. Many fear that if the mining activities continue unchecked, this historic area—dating back to the colonial era—might not only lose its economic significance but could entirely vanish from the city’s map.

Local NGOs are sounding alarms about the unsustainable practices of mining companies and urge government intervention to protect the community's heritage and residential areas. There is a growing call for better regulations to ensure that development does not come at the cost of community displacement and cultural erosion. The situation draws attention to the broader implications of natural resource extraction in developing regions, where economic interests frequently overshadow the well-being of local inhabitants.