Villagers in Mutoko, a mineral-rich district located approximately 140 kilometers east of Harare, express deep concern over the looming threat of displacement by Chinese investors on the hunt for lithium in their ancestral lands.
The villagers fear that the potential establishment of operations by these investors could lead to the disruption of large expanses of untouched lands, adversely impacting the environment that has been safeguarded by generations.
Despite a previous court order instructing Chinese prospectors to cease their activities, villagers report that the investors claim to have exclusive rights granted by the Office of the President and Cabinet.
However, it is revealed that the miners lack the necessary paperwork to conduct mining operations in the area, as per local sources.
In an attempt to safeguard their land, villagers have turned to the courts and local leadership for assistance.
Labenmon Investments and Undertreasure Mining Consultancy, the Chinese companies involved, are reported to have returned to the area, showing interest not only in lithium but also in scouting for granite.
Labenmon began local operations in 2006, focusing initially on gold and nickel mining.
Despite the absence of official websites or social media accounts for both firms, it is found that Undertreasure Mining was listed among companies accused of neglecting an amnesty on fund declaration and repatriation in 2018.
The companies also faced legal issues in 2016 when Makaha Mining Co-operative Society demanded $1.2 million from Undertreasure Mining for breach of contract.
Investigations reveal that the companies lack proper documentation but exploit the Office of the President and Cabinet to instill fear among the villagers.
This adds to the ongoing confrontations between Chinese investors and Mutoko villagers as the rush for lithium and granite in the district continues.
Despite previous legal battles, villagers remain uncertain about the situation after individuals claiming to be officials from the President’s office directed them to allow the mining activities to proceed.
Residents express frustration, feeling their community’s concerns are overlooked.
villagers say a sense of uncertainty had returned after people claiming to be officials from the President’s office directed them to allow the firm to carry out its activities.
“We have a legal way to stop the mining activities but it seems like it is in vain. We feel like the community’s feelings and views are not taken into consideration when we are the most affected,” George Makanjera, a villager from Moyosvii village, said.
Makanjera is one of the villagers who took Labenmon to court, saying he was not consulted about the miner’s intentions to deprive him of his land in order to carry out mining activities.
“The miners say they are acting on instruction from the Office of the President and will go ahead with their mining operations. We are back to square one. We are between a rock and a hard place. The community is left vulnerable and defeated by the current developments. We fear we might lose our land,” he said.
Daniel Mlalazi, human resources and operations manager at Labenmon, said the company was operating legally.
“What we are doing in Mutoko is within the confines of the law. The villagers have the rights to seek audience with courts if they feel that there is an order which is being violated,” Mlalazi said.
Labenmon’s human resources and operations manager asserts the company’s legality, emphasizing that villagers have the right to seek redress in the courts.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, representing the villagers, expresses readiness to continue the legal battle if the firm persists.
Government officials, including the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, remain divided on the issue.
While Labenmon claims compliance, the Environmental Management Agency indicates that the company’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) document is still under consideration, and they are yet to be issued an EIA license.
The dispute highlights the outdated legislative framework for mining, dating back to 1983, exposing gaps and policy issues.
A Mutoko-based organization, Youth Initiative for Community Development (YICD), is actively educating villagers on the proposed amendments to the Mines and Minerals Bill since 2012, aiming to address these issues.
Kudakwashe Makanda, the programmes officer for YICD, said going forward, a collaborative effort between the community and civil society organisations, bringing in legal officers, could help communities affected by such mining activities.
Mutoko, currently a hotspot for granite and lithium mining, sees increased Chinese investments, reflecting the historical ties between China and Zimbabwe. The situation underscores the urgent need for collaboration between communities, civil society organizations, and legal experts to address the challenges posed by mining activities in affected areas.
