Civil society organisations, community representatives, researchers and environmental justice advocates have called for a fundamental shift in the governance of Zimbabwe’s critical minerals sector, demanding that mineral development prioritises communities, ecosystems and national interests over extractive profits.
The call was made at the Critical Minerals Justice Conference convened by the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) in Harare on 19 August 2026 under the theme: “Reclaiming the Narrative: Justice, Sovereignty and Accountability in Zimbabwe’s Critical Minerals Sector.”
“Critical minerals development must deliver fair and equitable outcomes for communities, workers, the environment and the wider Zimbabwean public,” said Farai Maguwu, CNRG country director.
Participants highlighted that communities affected by mining activities often experience the greatest social and environmental impacts while receiving limited benefits from mineral extraction.
“Mining-affected communities need more than promises. They need transparency, participation and accountability throughout the mineral value chain, from exploration to extraction and processing,” Nkosilathu Nyathi, who also participated at the event.
Participants adopted a draft Critical Minerals Justice Declaration, outlining principles and actions aimed at ensuring that Zimbabwe’s growing role in global renewable energy value chains does not repeat historical patterns of environmental harm, displacement and exclusion.
Critical minerals such as lithium, platinum group metals and other strategic resources have become increasingly important due to their role in renewable energy technologies.
However, participants warned that the transition towards a green economy must not come at the expense of mining-affected communities.
The declaration emphasises that mineral development must deliver tangible benefits to Zimbabweans, particularly communities living near mining operations in areas such as Bikita, Buhera, Mutare, Hwange and other mining-affected regions.
The declaration calls for meaningful participation of communities in decisions affecting their land, livelihoods, cultural heritage and environment.
It also recognises emerging challenges linked to mining-induced displacement, migration pressures and possible conflict risks, calling for conflict prevention mechanisms, early-warning systems and durable solutions for affected populations.
The declaration calls on government institutions, mining companies, investors and other actors within the mineral value chain to strengthen accountability around contracts, revenues, environmental impacts and commitments made to communities.
transparency in mining agreements, stronger monitoring systems and greater public access to information about mineral governance.
Participants also called for strengthened roles for institutions such as the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and labour organisations in protecting community and worker rights.
The declaration recommends that communities receive accessible information, including mining legislation and environmental processes, in local languages to enable meaningful participation.
Environmental and Human Rights Concerns
Beyond economic considerations, the declaration places environmental protection and human rights at the centre of Zimbabwe’s critical minerals future.
Participants warned that mining activities can place pressure on land, water resources and ecosystems if environmental safeguards are not properly implemented.
The declaration calls for mineral value chains that respect human rights, promote decent work, uphold labour standards and prevent communities from carrying the environmental costs of extraction.
As Zimbabwe positions itself as an important player in the global critical minerals economy, participants stressed that the country’s mineral wealth must contribute to inclusive development and long-term national prosperity.
