The Zimbabwean government has responded to growing criticism of foreign mining companies, defending their operations despite accusations of worker exploitation and environmental harm.
Several foreign-owned companies, particularly those from China, have been accused of causing severe environmental damage, including river pollution, as they aggressively extract lithium and other valuable minerals in Zimbabwe. The rush for resources has prompted concerns over the impact on local ecosystems and the treatment of workers, with some alleging that government officials are overlooking these issues.
During a recent session of Parliament, Caston Matewu, the Member of Parliament for Marondera Central from the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), questioned the government’s stance on foreign mining companies, urging stronger action to address these concerns.
In response, Ziyambi Ziyambi, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, defended the foreign companies. He emphasized that all mining operations, regardless of ownership, are conducted in compliance with Zimbabwe’s laws. Ziyambi stated (via NewZimbabwe.com):
“I want to clarify that there is no widespread illegal extraction of minerals. The foreign companies here are not engaging in unlawful mining practices. They are operating within the legal framework established by our government. Most of them are complying with all legal requirements.”
Ziyambi further explained that mining companies are obligated to adhere to environmental regulations and contribute to the local communities through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. Additionally, he pointed out that these companies pay royalties and taxes, including contributions to local councils.
He added: “We need to focus on the existing laws. If there are suggestions for additional measures, legislators can propose them. It is not productive to exaggerate claims of exploitation.”
However, Matewu expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response, urging stronger action to ensure local communities benefit directly from the wealth generated by mineral extraction. He highlighted concerns raised by residents during budget consultations, stating that many communities in mining areas were not seeing any tangible benefits. He said:
“My question remains: what will you do to ensure that local communities benefit? For instance, in Mvurwi, the roads are being destroyed by constant chrome extraction, yet the people are not benefiting. What steps are being taken to address this?”
One specific area of concern is the Boterekwa region in Shurugwi District, where a Chinese-owned mining company is accused of severely impacting the once-beautiful area through mining activities.
Earlier this month, Zimbabwe’s Environmental Management Agency (EMA) took action against two Chinese mining companies—Riverlion (Pvt) Ltd, based in Hurungwe, and Baimei Investments—by imposing a ban on their operations. These companies are under investigation for causing significant environmental damage through alluvial mining along the Sanyati River, using heavy machinery like excavators and water pumps to extract minerals.
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