Unki Mine Denies Bribery Claims as Shurugwi Mining Dispute Deepens

One of Zimbabwe’s largest platinum producers, Unki Mine, has rejected allegations that mining firms operating in Shurugwi are bribing traditional leaders to gain access to communal land. The response follows a report by the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), which alleges a pattern of collusion between mining companies, local leaders, and officials in one of Zimbabwe’s richest mineral belts.

CNRG claims some companies offer “token” incentives, including fuel coupons, to chiefs and councillors to secure cooperation as mining operations expand into rural communities. However, Unki Mine general manager Walter Nemasasi dismissed the allegations, insisting the company adheres to transparent 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,” Nemasasi said.

Nemasasi said the mine conducts consultations through structured community forums involving elected village representatives, youth groups, vulnerable populations, 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 these assurances, the CNRG report paints a starkly different picture, alleging a “deeply entrenched system” of dispossession tied to expanding mining concessions. “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 say they are living under uncertainty as mining operations expand, with fears of displacement and disruption to livelihoods. Zimbabwe earns an estimated US$6 billion annually from mineral exports, yet watchdog groups argue that communities in resource-rich areas continue to face poverty, environmental degradation, and limited economic benefits.

CNRG also alleges that some companies invoke links to state security structures to suppress resistance, with villagers reportedly told they have no legal claim to communal land claims previously dismissed by government officials.

Nick Mangwana, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, has previously said any displacement linked to development projects must be handled “sensitively, fairly and with dignity,” in line with constitutional provisions. Analysts say the dispute highlights longstanding gaps in Zimbabwe’s communal land governance framework, where land is vested in the State, leaving rural communities vulnerable.

“Without stronger legal protections and transparent consultation processes, tensions between mining companies and communities will persist,” said a Harare-based governance expert.

The CNRG report highlights significant social impacts, particularly on women and youth. Women are said to make up as much as 70% of displaced populations, while youth unemployment in mining areas is estimated at around 60%. Environmental concerns have also been raised, with open-cast mining linked to land degradation and pollution of water sources such as the Mutevekwi River.

Advocates say these issues underscore the need for stronger oversight and more equitable sharing of mining benefits. As debate intensifies, the case of Shurugwi reflects a broader national challenge: balancing mineral-driven economic growth with the rights and welfare of local communities.

Unki Mine Shurugwi