Bikita Minerals Expansion Sparks Community Disputes in Zimbabwe

As Zimbabwe stakes its future on lithium to drive economic transformation and attract Chinese investment, local communities in Masvingo Province’s Bikita district are grappling with the real costs of mining-led development.

Bikita Minerals, a once-small lithium mine rejuvenated by China’s Sinomine Resource Group, symbolizes both promise and peril. It is fuelling industrial growth and state revenues, but also igniting conflict over land rights, environmental safety and equitable development.

Major Investment and Skills Development

Bikita Minerals has emerged as a key player in Zimbabwe’s critical minerals sector following a substantial investment of $335 million into the construction of a modern lithium processing plant that comprises gravity separation, flotation and cesium flotation units. This initiative aligns with the government’s push for beneficiation and local value addition.

“Bikita Minerals has invested significantly in the lithium processing plant, contributing to Zimbabwe's economic growth,” said public relations officer Collins Nikisi. He added that the company actively supports skills development and local capacity building.

“The company is committed to skills transfer, with 800 students from various universities and polytechnics having undergone work-related training and 300 employees having started off as graduate trainees.”

These efforts are boosting employment and stimulating economic activity in the region.

Nikisi also revealed that feasibility studies have begun for a new lithium sulphate plant, in line with the government’s thrust toward full beneficiation of mineral resources.

According to Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Mines, lithium concentrate output reached 80,000 tonnes in 2024, with projections suggesting this could double by 2026 as more projects come online.

In 2022, the Zimbabwean government banned the export of raw lithium ore to promote local processing and value addition within the country. While exports of lithium concentrate were temporarily permitted, a new ban on these exports will take effect in January 2027, signalling a clear policy shift toward encouraging domestic beneficiation and industrial development If fully implemented, these measures could enhance Zimbabwe’s economic self-reliance and accelerate progress toward the nation’s Vision 2030 goal.Vision 2030 still includes the target of achieving a $12 billion mining industry, a goal originally set by the government in 2019. The plan aimed to grow the sector from around $2.7 billion in 2017 to $12 billion by 2023, but the deadline has since been extended as the initial target was not met on time.

Community Tensions and Displacement Disputes

Despite rising economic optimism tied to Zimbabwe’s lithium boom, Bikita Minerals’ expansion plans risk displacement of local families, leading to community tensions. The company asserts that the land in question, George Nollen Farm under Chief Marozva, falls within its officially leased mining area. However, villagers claim they were never formally consulted, prompting them to seek the intervention of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), which has launched an investigation.

At least eight families, including Adonia Togara and Rejoice Ruvengo, now face eviction. “At this point, we have no choice,” said Ruvengo. “We can only hope that we’ll be relocated to a better place and that the mining company will compensate us fairly.”

Togara echoed the community's concerns, calling for government intervention. “We’re under serious pressure from the mining company,” he said. “What we need is a fair and dignified relocation not forced eviction.”

Bikita District Development Coordinator Benard Hadzirabwi confirmed the relocation plans. “The affected families settled there around 2000 during Zimbabwe's Land Reform Programme,” he said.

“We are aware that developments may have taken place over the years, so the relocation process must be approached holistically.” Hadzirabwi added that feasibility studies are underway and that Bikita Minerals will cover all relocation expenses.

Company Response and Human Rights Commission Involvement

In response to the controversy, Nikisi said the villagers are actually the ones who encroached on the company’s land. “The averment that Bikita Minerals encroached into Murape Villagers is inaccurate. The villagers are the ones who trespassed into Bikita Minerals and built homes,” he said.

Despite this, Nikisi said the company is committed to helping the families. “Bikita Minerals has agreed to assist the concerned families even though they settled within the mine claim illegally,” he said.

​​ “Negotiations are ongoing, and the company has resolved to help as part of its ​environmental social governance​​ESG​ responsibility and in line with ZHRC recommendations.”​​​

​​Z​HRC Deputy Executive Secretary for Programmes, Vengesai Erick Mukutiri, confirmed that a Commission had conducted a detailed fact-finding mission at Bikita Minerals and will issue a formal position on the matter.

Mukutiri also revealed that the Commission has engaged with the Chinese embassy to address broader concerns related to Chinese investments, urging respect for human rights and communities in Zimbabwe.

For years, the government had been reluctant to act against Chinese companies accused of breaking laws amid allegations that some politicians shielded these firms. However, there are signs of a shift.

Speaking at the recent China–Zimbabwe Business Forum, Presidential Affairs Secretary Tafadzwa Muguti issued a rare public rebuke saying, “Some Chinese businesses lack bank accounts, financial transparency and respect for the law. Those who flout our regulations or exploit our communities will no longer be tolerated.”

Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Projects

According to Nikisi, Bikita Minerals claims to be investing heavily in community development as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts. He highlighted projects targeting education, healthcare, infrastructure and water access around the mining area.

Nikisi detailed that the company runs a school feeding program supporting ten primary schools in Bikita and Gutu, backed by a budget of $42,520 per term. Bikita Minerals has built classroom blocks and staff housing at Mara Primary School and donated prefabricated houses to other schools. The company offers $5,000 scholarships to underprivileged university students while improving school facilities and teachers’ accommodations locally.

On healthcare, Nikisi pointed to a $1 million investment in a modern mine clinic equipped with emergency and maternity wards. The company provides ​​​​​​free quarterly medical check-ups, including breast cancer screenings, and runs health awareness campaigns.

Infrastructure projects include $2 million spent on rural electrification benefiting homes, schools, clinics and businesses, along with road construction and rehabilitation of key routes linking communities. The company has drilled 38 boreholes to improve water access and allocated agricultural inputs to support local welfare initiatives.

While these investments paint a picture of community support, questions remain about how some of these efforts measure against social and environmental challenges amid the mine’s ongoing expansion.

Mountain Mujakachi, the executive director of the Bikita Institute for Land and Development, has raised concerns over the limited access to healthcare services provided by Bikita Minerals.

Speaking about the Shumbaimwe Clinic and the mine’s own clinic, Mujakachi said, “The mine is not offering free health access to their clinic, whether you work for the mine or you’re from the community.”

Mine workers reported that they were required to pay to access the clinic, with costs deducted directly from their salaries. Community members were required to pay upfront.

Mujakachi further questioned the actual contribution of Bikita Minerals to the construction of Shumbaimwe Clinic. “We need proof of how much Bikita Minerals contributed. Most of the contributions came from the community and the Constituency Development Fund. The mine only came in later to do some final touches like painting, donating solar panels and lithium batteries,” Mujakachi explained.

Brilliant Mukaro, spokesperson for the Bikita Integrated Residents Association, expressed frustration over what the mine has actually contributed to the local community.

“The mine hasn’t yet done much. They are good at talking, but on the ground there’s nothing substantial to show,” Mukaro said. “We don’t want Bikita to end up as a white elephant, like what we are seeing in Mhangura. The community needs to genuinely benefit from the lithium resources.”

Mukaro revealed that multiple meetings have taken place between the community and mine representatives, during which residents requested the construction of workers’ housing at Nyika Growth Point. “Most workers live in Nyika. Building housing there would have been a generational social responsibility investment. Instead, the company put up structures on farmland,” he explained.

He also criticized the mine for failing to fulfil several promises. “They connected a direct electricity line from the TokweMukosi grid but have yet to deliver on the rural electrification they promised. They even vowed to build the best football stadium by now, but nothing has been done,” Mukaro added.

Highlighting concerns over land ownership and protection, he stated, “The Murape residents need to be protected. The land belongs to their ancestors.

Local Leadership and Community Perspectives

Traditional leader Chief Marozva, born Mutindi Mutindi, acknowledged some efforts by the company but stressed the need for greater and more meaningful investment in community development.

“Bikita Minerals is a massive project we are hosting in our area,” he said. “While we have witnessed some positive steps, such as drilling boreholes in certain villages and other small initiatives, there is still nothing much to write home about in terms of social investment. We believe more impactful projects are needed as a way of ploughing back into the community.”

He urged the mining company to scale up its support in proportion to the value of the lithium being extracted. “These benefits should match the value of the critical mineral they are taking from our land,” Chief Marozva emphasized.

On healthcare access, the Chief noted that while villagers usually use community clinics, the mine’s clinic charges fees to access it. “We are going to sit down with the mine so it can assist freely for our people to access it’s health facilities,” he said.

His remarks highlight growing expectations among local leaders and residents that large-scale mining investments should deliver tangible, long-term benefits to surrounding communities.

Wellington Nyamadzawo, a resident of Mufuka Village under Chief Marozva, praised the traditional leader for his strong advocacy in ensuring local engagement with the mine.

“The Chief stood his ground to make sure locals are employed at the mine, as previously, most workers were recruited from outside our area,” Nyamadzawo said.

He added that community members are allowed to collect and sell lithium waste powder, known as Vim, at the Bikita Minerals junction along Mutare Road.

“I’m happy with the mine’s expansion. More people are getting jobs, which has boosted sales at my tuck-shop,” he said.

Employment Practices and Gender Inclusion

Bikita Minerals says it is committed to fair and transparent recruitment with a focus on promoting gender inclusivity and preventing exploitation.

“We ensure transparency and fairness through public job advertisements, thorough vetting processes and collaboration with local leadership to identify suitable non-skilled workers,” he said.

The company has appointed gender officers to drive gender-related initiatives and works closely with workers' committees and trade unions. Currently, women make up 18% of the workforce, which is a milestone in this traditionally male-dominated industry.

Under China’s Sinomine Resource Group ownership, Bikita Minerals has dramatically scaled up employment. “We’ve increased our workforce from 250 to 1,460 direct employees and created an additional 1,500 indirect jobs through contractors,” Nikisi said.

Significantly, 80% of all employees are drawn from the local community, which the company says reflects its commitment to inclusive economic development.

Community Voices on Employment and Harassment Allegations

Mine employees and community members are less enthusiastic about Bikita Minerals’ employment conditions. While many workers were hesitant to speak openly, fearing possible repercussions, one anonymous employee remarked, “Those directly employed by Sinomine receive fair compensation, but workers hired through subcontractors are being exploited.”

Mineworkers said there was urgent need for educational training on sexual harassment both within the mine and the surrounding communities, as the issue is widespread.

At the Bikita Minerals junction, a young woman known only as Thoko, who sells Vim and household items, voiced both her frustrations and hopes for the community. “The mine should continue drilling more boreholes. We urgently need one in Tigere Village,” she said. “And when it comes to jobs, we want a fair share. Locals should be employed on an equal ratio.”

Thoko also shared a troubling experience she had while seeking formal employment at the mine after returning from South Africa. “A mining official invited me to his home under the pretence of offering me a job,” she revealed. “Once I got there, he demanded sex in exchange. I almost gave in, but I refused after he declined to use protection.”

Nikisi dismissed the allegation as “mere fabrications meant to tarnish the image of the company.” He insisted, “We have a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment. If such an incident occurred, why wasn’t it reported to the workers’ union, HR, women’s organizations or the police?” He insisted that there have been no recorded cases of sexual exploitation in the hiring of female employees.

Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union Secretary General Justice Chinhema said the union takes such claims seriously. “We do not tolerate this kind of behavior of sexual harassment,” he said, promising a thorough investigation.

Nevertheless, Chinhema noted labour relations progress at Bikita Minerals . "On labour issues, there is much light at the end of the tunnel thanks to ongoing engagements, compared to when they first started," he said. "We hope and trust they will continue to prioritize dialogue."

He said discussions are ongoing to transition workers from fixed term to permanent contracts. "Overall, things are not as bad here compared to other mines," Chinhema added.

Economic Impact and Governance Challenges

According to the 2025 International Monetary Fund Zimbabwe Country Report, lithium contributed about 8% to GDP in 2024, with potential to rise to 15% by 2030 if processing capacity is expanded. This highlights the critical need for sound governance.

Donald Nyarota, communication and advocacy officer at the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), said that while Bikita Minerals appears responsive, its CSR model may not be sustainable or community driven. "There's no real consultation with communities in line with the free, prior and informed consent principle," he said.

Nyarota highlighted unresolved community grievances on land, water, and displacement, stressing that CSR must evolve into genuine social investment. "To truly benefit local communities, companies must deepen local content development and invest in critical sectors like health, renewable energy, and manufacturing," he said.

Environmental Concerns and Community Safety

Bikita Minerals has come under scrutiny from residents and environmental advocates over dust pollution, water contamination and tremors caused by mining blasts. These concerns have stirred debate, especially among communities closest to the mine.

While some residents acknowledge progress in dust control, others remain worried about the effects of powerful explosions and local water safety.

​​Collins ​Nikisi acknowledged that environmental impacts are an unavoidable part of mining but said the company is taking steps to mitigate harm. “In any mining environment, dust is inevitable,” he said. “However, we are implementing various dust suppression measures as part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.” He added that the company has installed dust control systems and water treatment facilities, regularly monitored water quality and engaged with local communities to address concerns. “We encourage the media to be objective and report truthfully to avoid litigation,” Nikisi said, stressing compliance with Environmental Management Agency regulations and that audit reports have been shared with local communities and other stakeholders.

Nyamadzawo confirmed dust suppression had improved but raised concerns about high-magnitude blasts. “What still needs to be addressed is the use of high-magnitude blasts, which cause tremors and affect our homes when they go off,” he said.

While the company maintains adherence to best practices and regulations, lingering complaints reflect the need for greater transparency, improved community relations, and stricter oversight of environmental risks tied to mining expansion.

Nyarota emphasized that CNRG will continue its watchdog role. “As an environmental watchdog, we will continue monitoring Bikita Minerals and all mining investments in the country to ensure full compliance with the country’s laws of environment,” he said.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

When asked how Bikita Minerals engages with local leaders and residents in decisions affecting them, Nikisi explained, “The company engages with local leaders and residents through regular consultations, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes that affect them. This collaborative approach fosters trust and mutual understanding.”

He added, “Every quarter, we collaborate with the Bikita Rural District and the District Development Inspector’s office to convene stakeholder engagement consultative meetings.”

Nikisi also highlighted partnerships with civil society, saying that the company has established working relationships with non-governmental organizations such as ActionAid, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, and the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association, where engagement meetings with the communities are held.

Sources/Interviewees

• Rejoice Ruvengo (Resident)
• Adonia Togara (Resident)
• Collins Nikisi (Public Relations Officer, Bikita Minerals)
• Benard Hadzirabwi (Bikita District Development Coordinator)
• Chief Marozva (Mutindi Mutindi)
• Vengesai Erick Mukutiri (Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission)
• Daisy (Resident)
• Wellington Nyamadzawo (Resident)
• Justice Chinhema (ZDAMWU)
• Donald Nyarota (CNRG)
• Brilliant Mukaro, spokesperson for the Bikita Integrated Residents
• Mountain Mujakachi, Executive Director of the Bikita Institute for Land and Development Association
• Zimbabwe Ministry of Mines (2025)