"Xinhua Headlines: Investigation debunks defamation story on Chinese mining investment in Zimbabwe" 28 January 2022

A recent story published by The Guardian alleged that Chinese companies involved in granite mining in Zimbabwe have aroused fear and upset among local people.

The article, titled "'They want to remove us and take the rock,' say Zimbabweans living near Chinese-owned mines," claimed that Chinese mining companies in Mutoko District, Mashonaland East Province, are unjustly displacing villagers to pave the way for their mining operations.

However, a Xinhua investigation on the ground showed a different picture from the one painted by The Guardian.

UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS

The story alleged that 50 families in Nyamakope village in Mutoko District have been told by a Chinese mining company that they will have to leave their homes and land.

In contrast, only three families in Nyamakope have so far been moved by Jinding Mining Zimbabwe, a Chinese granite mining company based in the area, said Salison Ranjisi, an 82-year-old man, who is among the relocated families.

Ranjisi, who was described by The Guardian as "collapsed when he heard the news" that he would be relocated, said he never fainted, but suffered from high blood pressure after the relocation process while his new house was being built.

"People lied that I fainted. It's not true. They didn't tell the truth," Ranjisi said.

Furthermore, the Guardian story alleged that the families "were given 2,500 U.S. dollars to rebuild their homes."

Ranjisi emphasized he moved after signing a contract and receiving a compensation worth 4,800 dollars, and that there was no one forcing him to leave. [...]

Another Chinese mining company that was mentioned in the story, Shanghai Haoyun, was wrongfully written as "Shanghau Haoying" Mining Investments.

"They even spelled wrongly our company name. We are currently undertaking exploration works required before the commencement of mining operations, let alone the relocation of villagers," according to a statement from Shanghai Haoyun.

Robert Mavhuta, a local councilor for Ward 10 in Zisengwe-Nemagunde village, Mutoko District, said no family in his ward has been relocated by Shanghai Haoyun, which has been granted mining rights in his area.

"In case there is any family which is to be displaced, we will sit down and talk, and they (the families) will be compensated accordingly and justly," he told Xinhua, adding the procedures of relocating local people will be fair.

REAL BENEFITS

Citing mineworkers, the Guardian story also indicated labor malpractices by the Chinese companies, including long working shifts and low pay, which have been proven untrue. [...]

The Chinese mining companies have also benefitted local communities through their skills transfer initiatives, he said.

"I gained skills to operate machinery. Many people can now fend for their families, unlike previously when you would wake up and spend the day sitting at home. So many things have changed," he added.

With more Chinese mining companies moving into the area, the livelihoods of the villagers will greatly improve, Machinga said. [...]