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DR Congo Confirms Oil Pollution Findings

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ministry of Hydrocarbons is set to complete and publish a full environmental audit of oil company Perenco by the end of September. This comes after preliminary findings that identified pollution linked to the company's operations.

A ministry official said the audit found negative impacts on soil and air quality, with ageing infrastructure and pipelines contributing to environmental damage. The findings broadly support a recent Human Rights Watch report alleging that Perenco's activities, including gas flaring, open burning of oil waste and oil spills, have polluted air, soil and water sources and posed health risks to nearby communities.

Perenco has denied causing pollution. However, the government said that the final report will recommend environmental remediation measures and infrastructure upgrades.

Human Rights Watch

Oil well at Perenco’s concession in the Democratic Republic of Congo

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