Community Participation Strategies and Sustainable Development in Lualaba’s Cobalt Mining Regions – Democratic Republic of Congo

Cobalt mining in Lualaba Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is central to the global renewable energy and electric vehicle supply chain. However, mining activities have been associated with environmental degradation, social unrest, and economic exclusion of local communities. This study examined the impact of community participation strategies on sustainable development outcomes in Lualaba’s cobalt mining regions. Anchored on Stakeholder Theory and Social Capital Theory, a convergent parallel mixed-methods design was applied, involving 330 participants drawn from community members, mining representatives, NGOs, and government officials. Quantitative findings revealed weak and statistically insignificant correlations between participation and sustainability outcomes (r = -0.057, p = 0.299), yet qualitative evidence indicated that projects with deeper community involvement particularly in planning, monitoring, and decision-making were more durable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible. The study concludes that tokenistic consultation is inadequate; genuine co-decision-making and inclusive engagement are vital for achieving sustainable mining. It recommends institutionalizing participation through legal frameworks, building community capacities for participatory governance, and establishing accountability mechanisms through participatory monitoring systems. Keywords: Community Participation, Sustainable Development, Cobalt Mining, Lualaba Province