A fresh baseline study by the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has revealed that villagers in Mberengwa are agonising over the operations of Sandawana Mine which is extracting lithium in the mineral-rich great dyke area.
The study by CNRG was compiled after an intensive hands-on methodology in Mberengwa which included direct observations, physical interviews with affected villagers, demographics analysis and a triangular research exercise.
Smuggling of the lithium from Sandawana
CNRG reports that villagers testified that lithium is being transported out of the village “nicodemously” at night, especially by Chinese who would have acquired it from illegal miners.
“The lithium is being taken out of the country via Forbes Border in its raw form which is against SI 213 of 2022. Lithium ore is usually accompanied by trace minerals such as emerald, gold and tantalite and these will only be realised at refining process,” reads the report.
A security officer checking a truck full of lithium ore as it passes through a weighbridge at Sandawana Mine
Community sentiments
The CNRG study report reveals that the operations in Sandawana are attracting disdain from the local villagers. Part of the report reads:
“Sandawana is located in Chegato village in Mberengwa. The mining of lithium requires the clearing of vegetation, soil disturbance, and the use of chemicals and water, which leads to habitat destruction, soil erosion, water pollution, and disruption of ecosystems. The drilling and blasting of the stones are causing cracks in the houses near the mountain. The mine actually put-up warning signs to warn the villagers about when blasting will be taking place so that they find safe habitats.”
Potential Displacement
Sandawana is expanding its mining reach, raising fears of potential displacement, especially in the Chegato Village. This will lead to the loss of livelihoods, such as farming or grazing, and disrupt social structures and cultural practices. Displacement will also result in the loss of access to natural resources that communities rely on for their sustenance and well-being.
The CNRG report reveals that there are concerns on health and safety in lithium mining happening at Sandawana.
“Dust and emissions from mining operations as well as trucks passing by homesteads and shops may contain harmful substances, and improper handling of chemicals can lead to water and soil pollution. These issues can potentially impact the health of villagers and local ecosystems,” reads the report.
The CNRG report further adds:
“There are now several potential miners seeking employment flocking into the village. The influx of mining activities is bringing changes to the social fabric and economic dynamics of a village. Increased population, changing demographics, and a transient workforce is straining existing social infrastructure and services which were poorly provided in the first place.”
Sandawana Mine invited some of the villagers on its official opening in January 2023. It was during this meeting that several promises were made to the villagers. The promises include employment for locals, construction of a road and building a clinic. As mentioned earlier the revenue accrued by the Mine so far is estimated to be around $216 million and not a single promise has been delivered.
The villagers bemoan exclusion by the mine as they are not considered for jobs. Some lamented that the requirements for the jobs available are too high and unnecessary and this is a way of discriminating the locals. A few men who spoke to CNRG said they had attempted to get jobs in the grading of the road however they were told that it required 6 O levels which are not readily available to many in the village.