Psychological and Environmental Impacts of Climate Change in Villages around the Mutanda Mining Site (Lualaba Province, Democratic Republic of Congo)

Purpose: This study investigates the psychological and environmental impacts of climate change and mining degradation in the villages surrounding the Mutanda Mining site in the Lualaba province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Methodology: Using a mixed-methods approach combining psychological surveys, environmental measurements, direct observations, and semi-structured interviews. Findings: The findings reveal that proximity to the mining site is a major determinant of ecological deterioration and psychological distress. Villages located within 5 km of the mining site show higher levels of environmental degradation, stronger perceptions of climate change, and significantly elevated eco-anxiety and ecological stress levels, supported by correlation analysis. More distant villages experience reduced but still notable impacts. The study also highlights the presence of community resilience mechanisms such as social support, community gardens, and local ecological restoration initiatives which partially mitigate psychological impacts. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of integrating environmental mental health into mining and climate interventions by strengthening local adaptive capacity and community-based resilience strategies.