Concern grows over Sandawana lithium mine relocations

MBERENGWA - Mberengwa political activist and Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou has raised concerns over the relocation of communities affected by lithium mining operations at Sandawana, alleging that some residents are being displaced without due process.

Mutapa Energy Resources Investment is involved in a joint mining venture with Chinese investors at the lithium-rich Sandawana area.

According to Zhou, discussions around the relocation of affected residents initially included proposals for relocation allowances and compensation packages linked to the level of development at individual homesteads.

However, he alleges that commitments made during the early stages of engagement are no longer being honoured.

"The current challenge in Mberengwa is over unpalatable relocations because of lithium mining at Sandawana," said Zhou.

"Initially, Mutapa Investment had raised the issue of a relocation allowance and agreed compensation depending on the level of development at a person's homestead."

He claimed that the relocation process had since changed, with some residents allegedly being required to leave their homes without the agreed procedures being followed.

"But all previous verbal agreements are being flouted and people are being forced out of current residential areas without due process or adherence to the principles underpinning relocation," he said.

Zhou argued that community relocations linked to mining projects should be conducted transparently, with adequate consultation and fair compensation provided before residents are moved from their homes.

The concerns come amid expanding mining activities in mineral-rich parts of Mberengwa, where questions have been raised about the protection of communities affected by large-scale extraction projects and the adequacy of compensation arrangements.

At the time of publication, the allegations made by Zhou had not been independently verified. Mutapa Investment Fund and representatives of the mining operation had not responded to requests for comment.