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In a move that has brought relief to locals, who often feel powerless against abusive Chinese miners and businessmen, local courts have sentenced Cai Yulong, a Chinese miner, to 30 years in prison for the murder of one man, the injury of another, and the assault of a third individual.

By Ryan Chigoche

In a report from June 2024, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) stated that Cai (58) shot and killed a man from Chief Njelele in Gokwe and injured his colleague after they allegedly encroached on his mine in Zhombe.

On May 26th, Cai Yulong, a Chinese national operating Stone Steel Blue Mine in Zhombe, became involved in a mining dispute with the deceased and his workmates, all employed by Black Hand 10 Mine.

According to court documents, the deceased and his colleagues were on duty, underground, constructing a barricade in an area where their mine meets that of the accused, Yulong. While they were working, the accused approached and opened fire on them. They fled the scene toward the exit, but Yulong pursued them, shooting the now-deceased man in the thigh. The victim later died from the gunshot wound. Yulong also shot one of the deceased’s workmates in the knee and thigh before assaulting another on the head with his fists.

A police report was made, leading to Yulong’s arrest. He has now been convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison for murder and an additional 5 years for attempted murder, with both sentences running concurrently.

This ruling comes at a critical time, as there have been growing concerns about the protection of locals in the face of abuses by some Chinese involved in small-scale mining operations, as well as the manufacturing industry. With numerous reports of human rights abuses and little action taken against perpetrators, many have questioned whether the legal system is capable of safeguarding local citizens’ rights.

The perceived impunity enjoyed by some foreign nationals has worsened these fears, creating an environment where local communities feel increasingly vulnerable in their own country.

In July, Zimbabwe deported two Chinese nationals accused of hanging two mine employees on a front-end loader, a case that ignited debate about alleged abuses by investors from the Asian country.

Last year, Zimbabwean labour unions wrote to the government, demanding an investigation into Chinese employers, who they claimed had become notorious for violations such as torture, beatings, gender-based violence, low wages, and a host of other labour transgressions.

Although the Chinese have invested millions in Zimbabwe, incidents of abuse against locals by some individuals continue to tarnish their partnership and development efforts.

Moreover, local communities often face displacement as mining operations expand. Residents are frequently forced off their land without proper compensation or resettlement plans, worsening their economic hardships and undermining their livelihoods. Additionally, there have been reports of physical violence and intimidation against local workers and community members who protest these injustices, fostering a climate of fear and oppression.

The lack of oversight and accountability for Chinese companies operating in Zimbabwe’s small-scale mining sector has contributed to these ongoing abuses. As foreign investment increases, the need for regulatory frameworks to protect local communities and uphold human rights has become increasingly urgent. Human rights organizations continue to call for greater scrutiny of these practices and advocate for the protection of local workers and communities affected by Chinese mining operations.

While lithium is critical to the green energy revolution, ensuring emissions are drastically reduced and emerging as a vital energy source alongside other minerals, communities in Kamativi remain largely unaware of lithium’s role in this transition. Moreover, they lack an understanding of the green energy transition itself and the by-products of lithium mining.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Critical minerals like lithium are essential for the shift to a low-carbon future. They are used in various technologies that reduce reliance on fossil fuels, including electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels. Lithium, in particular, is prized for its high energy density, making it ideal for rechargeable batteries—a key component of green energy infrastructure. As the world seeks to mitigate climate change, the demand for lithium and other critical minerals is expected to surge, making them invaluable to the global economy and environmental sustainability.

In an effort to understand the expectations of Kamativi’s communities regarding mining operations, Mining Zimbabwe discovered that while locals are aware that companies in Kamativi are mining or processing lithium, they are not fully informed about the significance of lithium as a mineral. Many are unaware of its critical importance, and some do not even recognize lithium-bearing pegmatite rocks when they encounter them.

Speaking to Kamativi’s traditional leader, Chief Nekatambe of Dete, Hwange, it became clear that while he understands that Kamativi Mining Company (KMC) is mining and processing lithium, and Pan African mining company Bravura Group is processing the dump left by Kamativi Tin Mine for lithium, he is not aware of what lithium is used for or the broader green energy revolution.

“I’m aware that they are mining and processing lithium here. But I’m not aware of what lithium is used for,” Chief Nekatambe admitted.

He was not alone in these sentiments. Hwange Rural District Council, represented by Eng. Alic Mudenda, although aware of what lithium is, could not clearly articulate its importance to the just energy transition or even define what the just energy transition is.

“I’m aware that lithium is the core mineral being mined here by two companies, particularly Kamativi Mining Company. The call to action, especially regarding greenhouse gases and natural resources, aims to move the country into a $12 billion economy by 2030,” Eng. Mudenda said.

Are Communities Aware of the Benefits Brought by Critical Minerals?

While critical minerals like lithium are essential to the energy revolution, local communities seem more concerned with immediate employment opportunities rather than the potential export of jobs to other countries in the form of value addition, such as battery manufacturing.

“Well, they’ve definitely created employment, which is very good. What I’m looking forward to is if they can also give back to the communities, such as providing water boreholes where there are none. I would be very happy,” Chief Nekatambe expressed.

“The impact of these minerals will primarily affect Kamativi, changing the life of the community in terms of income, shelter, education, and raising money for children to go to school. Additionally, the arrival of these mines will bring benefits to the business community by generating revenue from mining operations, thereby boosting businesses around Kamativi,” Eng. Mudenda added.

Are Mining Companies Employing Enough Local People?

While community leaders were satisfied that companies were employing local people and providing them with opportunities to earn an honest living, members of the community expressed a different perspective. Ian Muleya, a local resident, noted that the community is not truly benefiting from Kamativi Mining Company’s employment, as it includes many Chinese nationals. He suggested that the Chinese should do better by engaging in more skills transfer.

Is There a Significant Change Brought by the Companies?

“Since KMC began operating, we have witnessed several changes. They have improved road infrastructure, rehabilitating the road from Kamativi town to the clinic, which was previously dilapidated. They have also made changes to the infrastructure within Kamativi, including bringing in electricity that had been vandalized in 1994,” Eng. Mudenda stated.

“At the moment, we haven’t seen much because they are not fully operational yet. But from what I’ve observed, they are doing well as far as employment is concerned. When they are hiring, they communicate with me, asking if I can submit a few names from the community to work for them. That communication pleases me very much. I also urge these workers to be 100% sober because the machines they operate are very expensive. I’m happy because this keeps them busy and away from illicit drugs. I’m happy, and I hope our president continues bringing in investors so that people can work,” Chief Nekatambe remarked.

CSR: Do They Engage?

The communities were generally satisfied with how the companies were engaging them in corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies. However, there are additional expectations that communities have from these companies.

“They engage with us, and I refer them to the communities. The communities are the ones that know what they need, so I always say, go to the communities. They will tell you exactly what they require. We have mentioned that most of our schools are in very poor condition, so we have urged them to improve and even construct more blocks at certain schools. I believe they are listening to what the president is always saying,” Chief Nekatambe said.

“Regarding CSR, KMC has been engaging in activities such as rehabilitating communities, building bus terminuses, drilling boreholes, and re-articulating vandalized areas. However, it’s an area that needs reinforcement, and we also need to ensure that these initiatives are community-driven rather than company-driven,” Eng. Mudenda added.

Do They Operate in a Safe Environment?

“In terms of environmental impact, while there’s a need for improvement in protecting the environment and the people, we haven’t heard any reports of hazards affecting the community. We continue to encourage companies to protect the environment, animals, and people around the mining area. We also urge miners to discuss safety measures, including holding toolbox talks every morning,” Eng. Mudenda emphasized.

“I’ve engaged with them and observed that their protective clothing is very proper. I think in terms of health issues, it’s essential that healthy practices are maintained, and investors should ensure that people do not develop diseases over time. But I think safety first. It’s very, very important,” Chief Nekatambe concluded.

Conclusion

The community in Kamativi is undergoing significant changes due to the presence of KMC and Bravura, particularly with the mining of lithium. Improvements in infrastructure, employment opportunities, and engagement in community-driven initiatives are positive signs of how these companies are impacting the area. However, there remains a crucial need for increased awareness and education about the importance of critical minerals like lithium, which are central to the green energy revolution.

Organizations such as the Green Governance Zimbabwe Trust (GGZT) can play a vital role in bridging this knowledge gap. GGZT, with its focus on promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship, can work alongside government institutions to ensure that communities like Kamativi are well-informed about the significance of the minerals in their region. GGZT can also advocate for responsible mining practices and help align CSR initiatives with the true needs of the community.

Additionally, corporate social responsibility (CSR) must genuinely reflect the priorities of the local population for long-term sustainable development. Addressing concerns about environmental safety and health practices through ongoing dialogue between the community, companies, and organizations like GGZT will be critical. By prioritizing safety, environmental protection, and meaningful community involvement, these mining operations have the potential to bring about transformative benefits for Kamativi and ensure that the community truly benefits from its rich mineral resources.

The Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe (CoMZ) said that small-scale miners are responsible for the significant debt the mining sector owes to the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), as members of the Chamber are under pre-supply agreements with the power utility.

By Ryan Chigoche

A few weeks ago, ZESA revealed that the mining sector, Zimbabwe’s largest consumer of energy, currently owes a staggering ZWG$684.8 million (US$45.6 million), representing 12% of ZESA’s total debtors’ book. This situation places a significant financial strain on the utility.

This revelation raised concerns, as Zimbabwe’s mining industry has long criticized authorities for their failure to provide a reliable power supply, an essential component for their operations. Mining companies depend heavily on consistent electricity to power machinery and equipment critical for extraction and processing. Without a stable power supply, productivity is severely compromised, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies.

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe President Thomas Gono stated that small-scale miners are responsible for the debt, as members of the Chamber are already in pre-supply agreements with the authority.

“Members of the Chamber of Mines enter into power supply contracts, some of which provide for prepayments for estimated electricity requirements. In some instances, these agreements assist ZESA in amortizing obligations with their regional suppliers for imported power. For those not in such contracts, failure to settle electricity bills will result in termination of the power supply. Further analysis of the debt indicated by ZESA shows that the bulk of the arrears are attributable to small-scale operations,” Gono said.

“The Chamber of Mines continues to encourage its members to settle their electricity bills timeously to provide cash flow capacity to ZESA and ensure that ZESA continues to supply power into the economy,” he added.

Faced with a debt crisis, the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) recently advised its members to switch to the prepaid smart metering system for electricity to prevent worsening power supply issues that could negatively impact their operations.

It is important to note, however, that artisanal and small-scale miners account for at least 60% of the country’s gold output. According to the country’s exclusive buyer of the yellow metal, Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR), artisanal and small-scale miners delivered 2.4 tonnes of the precious mineral, a 50% increase from the July figure of 1.6 tonnes.

Underpinned by the small-scale mining industry, Zimbabwe’s overall gold deliveries during the same period improved by 36% to 3.4 tonnes, compared to 2.5 tonnes in July this year, while large-scale producers’ output increased to one tonne from 999 kilograms in July.

Gold remains Zimbabwe’s top export earner, with the government targeting 40 tonnes of gold production this year, up from 30.1 tonnes in 2023. By next year, gold is projected to generate US$4 billion, up from the current US$3 billion.