The influx of Chinese companies into Zimbabwe’s mining sector since year 2000 has significantly improved exploration and mining of minerals such as lithium, diamonds, chrome and black granite.
While their investment has been a welcome development, there has been repeated calls by local communities, civic society and human rights groups for Chinese companies to adopt sustainable practices when conducting their mining operations.
In a research report published by Southern Africa Resource Watch (SARW) in May 2024, titled Mapping the Social, Environmental and Economic Impacts of Chinese Companies in Mining Communities in DRC, Zambia, and Zimbabwe; trained monitors were deployed who managed to map out 47 Chinese-operated mining companies in Zimbabwe.
According to the SARW research, while Chinese mines are dotted across Zimbabwe, most of their operations are concentrated in Hwange, Matabeleland North where there is coal mining; Midlands where they are mining chrome and in Mutoko, Mashonaland East focusing on black granite mining. The research also noted a recent increase in lithium mining and exploration.
Community Perspective
In Zimbabwe, it has been found that Chinese mining companies are providing social and economic benefits to the local community.
While there has been criticism regarding their modus operandi, 74 percent of community members have acknowledged the social benefits offered, with 85 percent having acknowledged the economic benefits that come from Chinese companies.
Community Involvement
SARW monitors discovered that Chinese companies operating in Zimbabwe are not adhering to the principles of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC).
A staggering 74 percent of respondents reported that mining companies do not conduct community consultations prior to commencing their operations, which is a critical aspect of FPIC.
This means that affected communities are not given an opportunity to participate in the decision-making process.
Furthermore, 58 percent of community members have reported lack of information provided to them before the start of mining operations, which is another crucial component of FPIC.
SARW monitors have also observed that affected communities are not being compensated for the damages caused by mining operations, with 72 percent of the communities reporting that they have not received any compensation for the harm done to their communities.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
SARW noted that EIAs are frequently carried out before mining operations, with 64 percent of the communities reporting that they undergo such assessments.
However, there is poor implementation of ongoing rehabilitation, with only 26 percent of the communities stating that companies commit to environmental rehabilitation over the long term. The situation is even worse for post-mining rehabilitation, with only 2 percent of the communities indicating that companies rehabilitate the environment after mining operations.
Workers perspective
According to the findings, the vast majority of communities (74%) affected by mining operations have reported that their social and cultural rights have been violated.
Additionally, an overwhelming number (96%) of these communities reported that the environment has also been negatively impacted by mining activities
Women inclusion
There are low levels of employment with only 30 percent of the communities indicating high levels of locals being employed by the companies, whilst 40 percent noted low levels and 30 percent moderate employment.
In terms of women’s employment there was almost agreement, with 96 percent noting low levels of employment of women, and 87 percent indicating that there were no gender programs or policies to promote more employment or empowerment of women.
Workers’ rights
Monitored elements showed poor employment performance across the board with a paltry 30 percent of communities reporting high levels of local employment by companies, while 40 percent reported low levels and 30 percent reporting moderate levels.
Women’s employment levels were uniformly low, with 96 percent reporting this.
Despite the low levels of women’s employment, 87 percent indicated that there were no gender programmes or policies in place to promote more employment or empowerment of women.
Conditions of work
SARW observed that most workers are dissatisfied with their current working conditions. Specifically, 89 percent of workers reported being unhappy with their remuneration.
An additional 91 percent of employees revealed they were not privy to any form of benefits beyond their regular compensation.
Opinions on whether their employment has had a positive impact on their lives were divided, with 49 percent responding positively while 51 percent responded negatively.
Of those who reported positive aspects, most cited their remuneration as a benefit, as it allows them to support their livelihoods.
Local authorities
Local authorities reported positive relationships with Chinese companies.
96 percent said they receive revenue, 96 percent implement corporate social investments while 65 percent consult with them before operations.
Conclusion
Chinese companies operating in Zimbabwe are not adhering to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) principles and are causing significant harm to affected communities.
Some of the issues identified include failure to conduct community consultations, lack of information provided to communities and failure to compensate them for damages caused by mining operations.
Additionally, there is a high prevalence of violations, poor implementation of rehabilitation measures, and significant negative impacts on social, cultural, and environmental factors. ENDS//
