Controversy over Chinese gold mine in Zimbabwe

Since 2021, the Zimbabwean government has been investigating the activities of a Chinese mining company operating in the east of the country over concerns about environmental and health impacts. According to a report by Voice of America on January 8, China-Africa Investment Corporation is accused of causing significant environmental damage and harm to local communities through its gold mining operations in the Mutasa area of ​​Manicaland Province.
Local residents and community groups have expressed dissatisfaction with the mine’s explosions, saying the activities have destroyed the natural environment and forced wildlife to leave the area. Residents have also reported that the vibrations from the explosions have damaged their homes. Additionally, residents have complained of contamination of the environment and water sources with dust from mining activities.
The company has also been accused of using forged signatures of residents on environmental impact assessment documents, raising doubts about the legality of its operations in the area.
These complaints led the government to suspend mining activities twice in 2024, although operations resumed shortly after. The Joint Task Force in Manicaland Province has twice ordered the suspension of Huijin’s operations to ensure it complies with government regulations.
Last October, the company’s operations were suspended for two weeks, then allowed to resume after it pledged to improve conditions. In mid-November, the task force ordered the suspension again.
Over the years, China has used various means to control Africa’s natural resources, causing environmental and economic damage to local communities and sparking widespread resentment among affected populations.