The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has announced plans to engage with the government to address the conduct of foreign miners, particularly regarding the ongoing abuse faced by local miners, especially within the small-scale mining sector.
By Ryan Chigoche
This move follows growing concerns about the exploitation of local miners by foreign companies, particularly those from China, operating within the small-scale mining industry. One such incident involved a Chinese national allegedly pointing a pistol at an employee during a dispute—a troubling example of the ongoing mistreatment of locals by foreign nationals in the sector.
During the ZMF 2025 Strategic Meeting on gold held in the capital, Henrietta Rushwaya, president of the federation, emphasized the need for a decisive stand against the abusive behaviour exhibited by foreign nationals in Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
“We have seen instances of abuse within our sector, both from our own members and so-called investors. This abuse must stop. We are tired of seeing our people mistreated by foreigners while we fold our hands. This is unacceptable, and we are making our position clear: enough is enough. Abuse from investors must come to an end. Gone are the days when a certain race is considered superior to another. Why are foreigners coming in to fight us over two hectares of land? They must be chased away,” Rushwaya stated.
She further emphasized that any investment claims under 50 hectares should not be regarded as legitimate.
“We are now saying that if an investor’s claim is less than 50 hectares, they cannot call themselves an investor. They must pack their bags and go. This is our country, and we will not tolerate foreigners fighting with us over small pieces of land,” she added.
Rushwaya also revealed that the ZMF has formally requested a meeting with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to discuss the ongoing issues.
“About two days ago, we made a special request to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development. We requested a special meeting to address the conduct of foreign companies and individuals mining in Zimbabwe. There are no sacred cows in this country. The law should apply equally to all. Let us continue to uphold these principles as we move forward into a prosperous 2025,” she said.
Despite widespread reports on social media, no foreign nationals have yet been jailed in cases of abuse, leaving locals feeling marginalized in their own country.
The ZMF has long advocated for a policy reserving mining rights for locals on plots of up to 50 hectares, particularly in response to the influx of foreigners into the sector.
However, Chinese interests in Zimbabwe’s small-scale mining industry continue to enjoy protection due to powerful political connections.
Chinese companies in the small-scale mining sector have faced accusations of riverbed mining and land grabs, particularly in the chrome sector, where they allegedly pushed local miners off prime mining areas.
“We must approach the authorities to address the issue of mine grabs and the name-dropping of politically connected elites who continue mining on rivers. Small-scale miners are not the chief culprits in riverbed mining, and we cannot afford to let this practice continue,” Rushwaya added.
In recent weeks, anti-Chinese sentiment has been on the rise across several African nations, with protests and violent incidents reported. In countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique, locals have targeted Chinese nationals, frustrated by their involvement in illegal mining and the appropriation of businesses reserved for locals, alongside contributing to massive environmental degradation.
