Sustainability and environmental impact of artisanal mining in DR Congo with pathways for ecofriendly practices

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) serves as a primary source of livelihoods and mineral supply in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where it contributes substantially to rural economic activity and the production of strategic minerals such as cobalt, tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold. Despite its socio-economic significance, ASM is associated with substantial environmental degradation, governance challenges, and sustainability concerns. This study systematically reviews the environmental and sustainability dimensions of ASM in the DRC and identifies pathways for advancing eco-friendly mining practices. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2014 and 2024. A total of 1,837 records were identified, of which 183 studies met the predefined inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. The review examined ASM practices, spatial distribution, and associated environmental impacts, including deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, habitat destruction, and health hazards. It further evaluated sustainability interventions, policy frameworks, and emerging eco-friendly approaches, including improved mineral-processing methods and bioleaching, while considering their feasibility and constraints within the predominantly informal mining sector of the DRC. The findings reveal a persistent gap between policy intentions and implementation on the ground, driven by weak governance, limited technical capacity, and poverty-related operational pressures. The review provides an evidence base for understanding the environmental and sustainability challenges associated with ASM in the DRC, identifies critical research and policy gaps, and proposes pathways for environmentally responsible and socially inclusive ASM practices aligned with responsible-sourcing principles and global sustainability frameworks.