In a significant victory for local villagers in Mutoko, a Magistrates Court has ruled that Chinese miner Labenmon Investments must vacate four villages after it was discovered that the company had started operations without adhering to proper protocols.
The decision came after the villagers, led by headman Mbudzi, sought legal assistance from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) to halt Labenmon’s granite prospecting activities. The Chinese firm had claimed ownership of 150 hectares of land in the area.
ZLHR issued a statement declaring, “Chinese miners have been ordered off the villagers’ land by the magistrate at Mutoko Magistrate Court. ZLHR successfully proved that the miners had not followed due process. They did not obtain a valid environment impact assessment certificate.”
According to the statement, Labenmon had failed to conduct the necessary consultations with affected stakeholders, as required by law. The company’s disregard for proper procedures raised concerns among villagers, who subsequently sought legal intervention.
This ruling serves as a reminder that all companies, regardless of nationality, must respect local laws and regulations when conducting business operations. The decision also highlights the importance of acquiring the appropriate environmental impact assessment certificate before commencing any activities that could potentially have significant consequences for the local ecosystem.
The victory for the villagers is seen as a triumph for their rights to their land and environment. It also serves as a reminder to multinational corporations that they must be transparent and inclusive in their dealings with local communities.
This decision will likely encourage local communities to stand up for their rights and seek legal assistance when faced with similar situations.
As the principle of holding corporations accountable gains momentum globally, it is crucial to ensure that local communities are protected and that proper channels for legal recourse are made available to them.
