Buhera Villagers Tell Parliament Sabi Star Lithium Mine Is Polluting Water, Air and Grazing Land

By Southerton Business Times | Buhera

Hundreds of schoolchildren in Buhera are reportedly receiving treatment for dust-related illnesses every year, borehole water has become unsafe to drink in some villages, and livestock are dying after consuming contaminated water allegedly linked to mining activities at the Chinese-owned Sabi Star Lithium Mine, Parliament has heard.

The allegations were made during public hearings conducted by the Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife in Buhera on Sunday following a petition submitted by the Buhera Residents Network Trust on behalf of affected communities. The committee, chaired by Sam Matema, visited Mukwasi Primary School, Watekama Business Centre in St Albans and Murambinda Growth Point under Chief Nyashanu to hear evidence from residents, health workers, teachers and local leaders. The mine, operated by Chinese company Max Mind Investments, was commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2023 and is one of Zimbabwe's major lithium projects.

Village health worker Senzeni Taruona Mukwasi told legislators that respiratory and stomach-related illnesses have increased since mining operations began. She said children, pregnant women and elderly residents were among those most affected by dust generated by heavy trucks transporting lithium ore.

"We have elderly people, pregnant women and children inhaling polluted air every day. People fear for their health," Taruona told the committee.

"As a village health worker, I informed my superiors that coughing cases were increasing because of dust from the trucks and the mine. They engaged the mine, but nothing was done."

Teachers at Mukwasi Primary School told the committee that at least five pupils are referred to the nearest clinic every day after complaining of chest problems and other illnesses they believe are linked to dust pollution. Residents said more than 100 heavy trucks use the 37-kilometre gravel road between the mine and Gaza daily, creating thick dust that affects nine schools and nearby villages.

Villagers also alleged that several boreholes have developed an unusual smell, prompting many households to stop drinking the water. Instead, some residents now use the water only for gardening and other non-domestic purposes. Community members further claimed that cattle, goats and other livestock have died after drinking water contaminated by dump tailings from the mine.

Village Head Newton Mudzoto said health workers had repeatedly raised concerns over the growing number of schoolchildren seeking treatment.

"Health workers are alarmed by the rate at which pupils turn up at the clinic. Five or more children are sent to the clinic every day," he said.

"They complain of chest and stomach pains. The children's health is no longer good."

Committee chairperson Sam Matema said the hearings revealed concerns about communication between the mining company, local communities and public institutions.

"It looks like there is little engagement. Schools, clinics, local leadership, stakeholders and the mine should sit down and engage," Matema said.

"As a committee, we came to hear your concerns and make a report with recommendations to Parliament."

The parliamentary inquiry follows a formal petition by residents calling for an investigation into the mine's environmental, health, social and economic impacts.

Meanwhile, Presidential spokesperson George Charamba, speaking to Chipinge Times, criticised the petition, saying communities should seek ways to work with the mining company rather than oppose its operations. Southerton Business Times was unable to obtain an immediate response from Max Mind Investments regarding the allegations. The claims raised during the parliamentary hearings have not been independently verified.

Mining companies operating in Zimbabwe are required under the Environmental Management Act to implement measures that minimise pollution and protect surrounding communities, while the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is mandated to monitor compliance.

Sabi Star Lithium Mine