ZHRC Resolves Bikita Minerals Land Dispute With Villagers

A long-running land and environmental rights dispute between Bikita Minerals and villagers from Murape Village in Ward 11, Masvingo, has been resolved following mediation by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC).

The dispute, which began in 2024, involved nine households living on land that Bikita Minerals claimed fell within its mining claim. The villagers also raised concerns over property rights, environmental pollution and access to safe, clean and potable water, alleging that blasting activities at the lithium mine were creating air pollution and exposing residents to health risks.

Following investigations, the ZHRC established that the land occupied by the nine households falls within Bikita Minerals’ mining claim. However, the Commission also found that mining operations, particularly blasting conducted close to the homes, exposed residents to danger and resulted in significant air pollution.

ZHRC mediates relocation agreement

The dispute was taken through a mediation process facilitated by the ZHRC, which began last year. The two parties reached an agreement on Monday outlining the conditions under which the affected families would relocate. Under the agreement, Bikita Minerals will provide each of the nine families with US$1,500 and 20 tonnes of quarry stones as assistance towards their relocation. The agreed payments and delivery of the quarry material are expected to be completed on or before September 4, 2026.

The agreement was signed by Arinos Mabhachi on behalf of the affected families and Liu Rui, also known as Martin, representing Bikita Minerals. The signing ceremony was presided over by ZHRC Masvingo Provincial Head Fidelis Nyamukondiwa. Both parties agreed to resolve the dispute freely and amicably, bringing an end to a conflict that had raised broader questions about mining, community rights and environmental protection in Zimbabwe.

Bikita Minerals welcomes agreement

Bikita Minerals confirmed the settlement in a statement issued on Tuesday. The company thanked the ZHRC for facilitating the mediation process and acknowledged the role played by traditional leadership and the affected families.

“We are grateful to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission for facilitating this process, to Chief Marozva for his leadership and guidance and to the affected Murape families for their willingness to engage constructively,” Bikita Minerals spokesperson Upenyu Chaota said.

The agreement provides a structured pathway for the relocation of the nine families while allowing mining operations to continue on land established by the ZHRC to fall within the company’s mining claim.

The settlement also highlights the role of mediation in resolving mining-community disputes, particularly where competing interests involve land ownership, environmental protection, property rights and community livelihoods.

For the Murape families, the agreement provides financial and material assistance towards relocation, while Bikita Minerals gains clarity over the use of land falling within its mining claim.

The resolution comes as Zimbabwe’s mining sector continues to expand, increasing the importance of balancing mineral development with environmental rights and the protection of communities living near mining operations.

Bikita Minerals land dispute