Building a Just Framework: Key Lessons for Mining Displacement and Resettlement
By Rudairo Mapuranga
At the recent Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)-Parliament Indaba in Kwekwe—organized by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) and ActionAid Zimbabwe—stakeholders from various sectors, including parliamentarians, gathered to discuss establishing equitable practices for displacement and resettlement in mining communities. The gathering highlighted the critical need for a framework that safeguards the rights of displaced communities and promotes sustainable resettlement practices.
In his presentation, Lyman Mlambo, a mineral economics lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, emphasized the importance of building a framework that is transparent, fair, and inclusive.
“Communities deserve a voice in shaping their future and determining how their relocation is managed,” Mlambo stated.
He underscored the need for inclusive consultations with affected communities to ensure their rights and livelihoods are adequately protected during resettlement.
According to Mlambo, effective displacement strategies should provide more than just basic compensation; they should focus on sustainable livelihood options that enable communities to thrive after relocation.
“For resettlement policies to be meaningful, they must empower people to rebuild their lives, not simply move them from one place to another,” he added, noting the need for a legal framework to hold mining companies accountable and build trust with communities.
Around the world, countries have implemented frameworks that respect the rights of displaced communities while balancing the needs of the mining sector. Such examples offer Zimbabwe valuable lessons as it seeks to improve its own approach. Notably, adopting best practices—including fair compensation, transparent processes, and sustainable livelihood programs—can provide a solid foundation for Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
Mlambo referenced these global models, suggesting that Zimbabwe could similarly benefit from a structured approach to mining-induced displacement.
“Learning from international frameworks, Zimbabwe can develop policies that serve both the interests of affected communities and the economic priorities of the nation,” he explained.
In countries with strong frameworks, mining companies are required to ensure comprehensive support for displaced communities. These policies often include fair compensation, legal recourse, and livelihood restoration, fostering trust and collaboration while reducing conflicts between mining operations and communities.
For Zimbabwe to establish a just and transparent framework, stakeholders from the government, mining companies, and civil society must work together on policy development. Mlambo stressed the need for legislation mandating fair compensation and responsible resettlement practices, advocating for policies that protect communities’ social and economic rights.
Zimbabwean communities affected by mining displacement have historically faced inadequate compensation and relocation arrangements that disrupt their livelihoods. Addressing this, Mlambo proposed policies that ensure compensation covers not only physical assets but also loss of income and disruption to social networks.
“True compensation should account for all facets of a person’s life—physical, economic, and social—so they can genuinely rebuild,” he stated.
As Zimbabwe develops a framework for mining displacement, prioritizing community involvement and learning from international best practices are essential. This approach could pave the way for a mining sector that values social equity while contributing to sustainable economic development.