Rushwaya warns of revolt over Chinese abuses in mining sector

Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) president Henrietta Rushwaya has issued a stern warning to government, accusing some Chinese investors of killing, abusing, and exploiting local small-scale miners - and cautioning that continued inaction could spark unrest in the gold sector.

Speaking at the Mine Entra exhibition in Bulawayo last week, Rushwaya said small-scale miners were "bleeding inside" as they endured growing violence and mistreatment from certain foreign operators.

"As small-scale miners, we are not happy with how foreigners, particularly the Chinese, are treating us. Our people are being killed and abused in cold blood," Rushwaya said.
"This is totally unacceptable. We are peace-loving, law-abiding citizens, but we will not allow our fellow miners to be killed on their own soil."

She warned that if the government fails to act, it risks provoking a backlash from the country's hundreds of thousands of artisanal miners who contribute significantly to Zimbabwe's gold production.

"We don't want a revolution to come from the small-scale mining sector, especially when foreigners are concerned," she said. "Those out in the bush know how unpleasant things could become if these abuses continue unchecked."

Rushwaya said miners had continued to work diligently despite mounting tensions, noting that gold deliveries from both small- and large-scale producers reached 33 tonnes by the end of September.

Relations between local and Chinese miners have worsened in recent years amid reports of violent confrontations, labour disputes, and environmental destruction linked to foreign-owned mining operations.

In response to such concerns, the Chinese embassy in Harare recently issued a rare public advisory urging its nationals operating in Zimbabwe to respect local laws and communities.

"Build trust through community and environmental stewardship," the embassy said in the statement. "Corporate social responsibility initiatives are strongly encouraged as visible expressions of goodwill. Such proactive efforts foster mutual trust and strengthen community relations."

The embassy also reminded Chinese investors to adhere to Zimbabwe's environmental and labour standards, warning against involvement in disputes or harmful practices.

Although government officials have repeatedly promised stricter oversight of foreign mining operations, enforcement has remained weak.

Speaking at the Zanu-PF National People's Conference in Mutare last week, President Emmerson Mnangagwa urged all investors to respect Zimbabwe's constitution and people, though he avoided naming any specific nationality.

"As we welcome investors in our jurisdiction, we expect that they will adhere to the constitution and laws, while also respecting our people, customs and culture," Mnangagwa said.

Chinese-run mining projects have come under fire particularly in Mutoko, where villagers have accused companies of causing extensive environmental damage through blasting activities that have cracked homes, destroyed farmland, and polluted water sources.

Reports of brutality have also surfaced, including a 2020 incident in which two Zimbabwean workers were allegedly shot and wounded by their Chinese employer following a wage dispute.

Rushwaya's remarks have reignited debate over foreign influence, accountability, and sovereignty in Zimbabwe's mining sector - an industry that remains central to the country's economic ambitions but increasingly mired in tension between profit and people.