Unki rejects bribery claim

One of Zimbabwe's largest platinum producers, Unki Mine, has dismissed allegations that mining firms operating in Shurugwi are bribing traditional leaders to facilitate expansion into communal land.

The mine's response follows a report by the Centre for Natural Resource Governance, which alleged a pattern of collusion between mining companies, local leaders and officials in one of the country's richest mineral belts.

CNRG claimed some companies offer "token" incentives, such as fuel coupons, to chiefs and councillors to secure cooperation as operations expand.

However, Unki general manager Walter Nemasasi rejected the claims, insisting the company adheres to transparent and ethical engagement practices.

"We engage with host communities openly and ethically, and we do not provide improper inducements or anything that could reasonably be perceived as such," he said.

Nemasasi explained that community consultations are conducted through structured forums involving elected village representatives, youth groups, vulnerable members and government officials.

"The three chiefs of Shurugwi participate in the community engagement forum as ex-officio members. Participants are reimbursed only for reasonable transport costs. No other benefits are provided, including to chiefs," he said.

He added that the mine currently has no plans to relocate surrounding communities.

Despite the denial, the CNRG report paints a starkly different picture, alleging a deeply entrenched system of dispossession linked to expanding mining concessions.

Zimbabwe earns an estimated US$6 billion annually from mineral exports, yet communities in areas such as Shurugwi reportedly continue to face poverty, displacement risks and environmental degradation.

According to the watchdog, some companies allegedly invoke links to state security structures to suppress resistance, with villagers reportedly told they have no legal claim to communal land.

Similar claims have previously been dismissed by presidential spokesperson George Charamba, but concerns persist among affected communities.

CNRG further alleges that consultation processes are sometimes manipulated to create the appearance of consent.

"The mine would selectively summon the councillor, chief and a few villagers sympathetic to its interests, ensuring predetermined outcomes," the report said.

Residents in areas such as Pasimupindu and communities surrounding Unki Mine are said to be living under uncertainty as mining operations expand, disrupting livelihoods and discouraging long-term investment in farming.

The report highlights severe social impacts, with women—who reportedly make up as much as 70 percent of displaced populations—bearing the brunt of relocations. Youth unemployment in mining zones is estimated at around 60 percent, while people living with disabilities are among the most vulnerable.

Environmental concerns have also been raised, with open-cast mining blamed for land degradation and pollution of water sources such as the Mutevekwi River.

Government, however, maintains that legal safeguards are in place. Information ministry permanent secretary Nick Mangwana said any displacement linked to national development projects must be handled "sensitively, fairly and with dignity," in line with constitutional provisions.

Analysts say gaps in laws governing communal land, particularly provisions that vest control in the State, continue to expose rural communities to potential abuse, fuelling tensions between mining interests and local populations.