Fungurume

Fungurume is a town and commune in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, located in Lualaba Province in the southern part of the country. It lies within the mineral-rich copper-cobalt belt that forms the backbone of the regional economy. The town serves as a local center for mining-related activity and services, supporting both temporary and resident workers and their families.

Nearby is the Tenke Fungurume Mine, one of the DRC's largest copper-cobalt operations. The mine is operated by Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM), a joint venture in which China Molybdenum Company (CMOC) holds the majority stake and Gécamines, the state miner, is a partner. The operation has been a major driver of economic activity in Fungurume and the wider region, while also presenting challenges common to large-scale mining, including environmental management, community development, and fluctuations in commodity prices.

The area is served by regional road networks linking Fungurume with Kolwezi and other towns. Population in and around the town comprises local communities and workers connected to mining operations, with Swahili and French used in daily communication and administration. The town, like much of the southern DRC, faces development needs tied to infrastructure, health, education, and governance.