‘Villagers cry foul as global giant exploits lithium in Zimbabwe’ 7 May 2024

Max Mind Investments Zimbabwe, a subsidiary of Chinese global giant Shenzhen Chengxin Lithium Group, is being praised in Zimbabwe, where it is projected to generate $2-billion in annual revenue. The government considers it a vital cog in its ambitious plan to establish a $12-billion mining sector economy by 2030. It is one of several international companies making the most of lithium, the globally sought-after mineral used to drive the clean energy transition – a transition that incorporates solar panels and rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and electric vehicles.

…However, as is the case in many parts of Zimbabwe where lithium is being mined, Max Mind Investments made way for its latest mine by moving 40 families from their ancestral land to pave the way for the company’s operations, leaving a trail of bitterness over unfulfilled promises and ruined livelihoods. Most families relocated in August 2023. The families believe the political support enjoyed by the company has been used to trample their rights, rendering them economically disempowered, food insecure and extremely vulnerable.

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On his initial visit to the mine in 2022, Mnangagwa praised Max Mind for building “state-of-the-art homes” for the 40 families who had to be relocated to make way for mining operations. 

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However, an investigation by The NewsHawks – which included interviews and site visits – has established that the lives of affected villagers is far less rosy. Relocated families don’t share the president’s praises; they feel abandoned and betrayed for several reasons.

They say they were coerced into relocation after being issued subtle threats by the Buhera district development coordinator (DDC), Freeman Mavhisa, and their traditional leader, Chief Nyashanu.

The NewsHawks established that the villagers signed compensation agreements and were given monetary compensation before being evicted. Max Mind registered the compensation agreement with Zimbabwe’s Administrative Court, as required by law. The process was done in the absence of villagers on the strength of the compensation agreements they signed, which showed they were agreeable.

“They (the mining company) took advantage of our ignorance. We signed the agreements because we were told that if we refused, the government would forcibly move us and dump us at a place of their choice.

…Max Minds spokesperson Emmerson Njanjamangezi told The NewsHawks that the relocation exercise was done in a transparent manner and evicted families were fully aware of the implications. “The families were properly engaged even from the start of exploration so that they were aware of what was taking place in their area. Meetings with the district administrator, traditional leadership and other government departments were held in Shona to brief them on the mine’s intentions,” Njanjamangezi said. “The relocation is not something that happened overnight, it took almost a year. The agreement was read through and explained in Shona by the then MP, William Mutomba, and corrections were done until we had a fine document that everyone agreed on.”