Chinese miners wreak havoc in Mberengwa, Filabusi

Relations between local communities - including low-level employees, villagers, and chiefs - and Chinese nationals working in mining operations have sharply deteriorated in the Dolo and Filabusi areas. Allegations of assault, abuse, bribery, corruption, and human rights violations by Chinese workers have prompted intervention from both political and traditional leaders.

The influx of Chinese miners followed a partnership with a large mining company to develop chrome mining in the border areas of Mberengwa and Insiza districts in Midlands and Matabeleland South provinces.

Reports indicate that an employee was assaulted by a Chinese national, but the police case was mysteriously withdrawn. At a recent Dolo/Insiza Town Hall meeting held at Mapeume Primary School in Filabusi, villagers voiced urgent needs including a clinic, preschool, dip tanks, and improved road infrastructure.

Several households have lost livestock, devastating the community's primary income source. Villager Everlet Gumpo revealed that Chinese miners are operating on her land without consent, damaging the environment and grazing areas.

"There is nothing we can do. They promised to rehabilitate the land but have failed. We now suffer from dust caused by their mining," Gumpo said. She warned that unchecked mining could exhaust resources far sooner than promised.

Former employee Mandlenkosi Ncube spoke of unfair dismissal by the Chinese operators, lamenting that locals benefit little from mining despite bearing its costs.

Another villager told Southern Eye that workers endure hard labor for as little as US$80 a month, often without proper protective equipment beyond gumboots.

Mapeume Secondary School SDC vice-chairperson Alexander Maphosa highlighted worker safety concerns, noting injuries due to lack of PPE and excessively long shifts of up to 16 hours.

"When the Chinese arrived, they did not properly introduce themselves. We want development that respects locals. Right now, all we have are dust, pits, and diseases," Maphosa said.

Traditional leaders at the meeting urged Chinese miners to engage meaningfully with the community and honour their promises. Chief Chizungu stressed the importance of land rehabilitation after mining operations end and encouraged expansion across the three local jurisdictions.

Chief Bankwe echoed calls for respect and adherence to agreements, expressing hope for continued cooperation between miners and the community.

The mounting tensions underscore the urgent need for responsible mining practices that balance economic development with community welfare in the region.