Lubumbashi, is the second-largest city in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with a population estimated to be 2.6 million in 2021. It is the main industrial center of the mining district and is home to most regional mining companies. The city is a transportation hub for mineral products such as copper, cobalt, zinc, cadmium, germanium, tin, manganese, and coal. The mineral exploitation industry has been dominated by a government-owned organization, but foreign mining companies are also present. The environment in Lubumbashi has been affected by mining activities. The city has experienced soil degradation and erosion due to mining activities that have destroyed vegetation cover and caused soil compaction. The city's air quality has also been affected by dust emissions from mining activities.