The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) president, Henrietta Rushwaya, has raised alarm over the growing cases of abuse and violence against local small-scale miners by some Chinese nationals operating in Zimbabwe’s gold sector. Speaking during the Mine Entra exhibition in Bulawayo, Rushwaya warned that if the situation continues unchecked, it could spark unrest within the mining industry.
Rushwaya expressed concern that Zimbabwean artisanal miners are being mistreated, harassed, and in some cases, killed in cold blood by foreign investors. She said the continued silence over such injustices risks leading to anger and frustration among miners who play a crucial role in sustaining the national economy.
“As small-scale miners, we are not happy with how foreigners, particularly the Chinese, are treating us. Our people are being abused, beaten, and even killed. We have remained peaceful for too long, but patience has its limits,” Rushwaya said.
She added that despite these challenges, small-scale miners have continued to contribute immensely to Zimbabwe’s gold production, delivering more than 33 tonnes by September this year. However, she warned that the ongoing exploitation and neglect of their welfare could push miners to the edge.
Reports from several mining regions, including Mutoko, have highlighted rising tensions between Chinese-run operations and local communities. Villagers have accused some Chinese companies of destroying the environment, causing structural damage to homes through excessive blasting, and contaminating local water sources.
The Chinese Embassy in Harare recently urged its nationals to respect Zimbabwe’s laws, culture, and people after growing reports of misconduct by some investors. However, mining watchdogs say the government’s response has been slow, and enforcement of labor and safety regulations remains weak.
Rushwaya’s warning comes amid allegations of gold smuggling and illegal mining activities involving some foreign operators, raising concerns about corruption and the siphoning of Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth.
With small-scale miners contributing more than 65% of the country’s total gold output, Rushwaya emphasized that ignoring their grievances could destabilize the sector and threaten the government’s economic goals under Vision 2030.
She called on authorities to intervene decisively to protect local miners and restore fairness within the mining ecosystem. “We don’t want a revolution, but if the abuse continues, it may come from the small-scale mining community itself,” she cautioned.
The warning serves as a stark reminder of the need for better regulation, transparency, and protection of local labor in Zimbabwe’s resource-rich but highly contested gold industry.
