DETERMINANTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND SOCIO-HEALTH VULNERABILITY IN THE CITY OF KOLWEZI

Introduction: The growth of mining activities in the city of Kolwezi is accompanied by concerns regarding environmental quality and the vulnerability of local populations. Objective: To analyze the main environmental determinants associated with perceived socio-sanitary vulnerability in the Dilungu neighborhood. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a mixed approach was conducted from March to July 2026 among 300 households. Data were collected through face-to-face questionnaires, direct observations, and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were processed using Epi Info and Excel, primarily through frequencies and percentages. Results: Among the 300 surveyed households, 296 (98.67%) stated that mining companies did not comply with environmental standards, while 272 (90.67%) reported non-compliance with sanitation practices by the population. Observations and responses highlighted discharges and emissions related to mining activities, poor waste management, unplanned urbanization, and deficiencies in awareness and governance as the main degradation factors. Respiratory, skin, and eye manifestations were reported, although no toxicological or metrological measurements established a direct causal relationship. Conclusion: The results emphasize the need to strengthen environmental monitoring, sanitation, prevention, and local governance. Further studies integrating objective environmental and health measurements are necessary.