Clean energy must not come at communities’ expense, youth group says

BULAWAYO, Aug. 30 (NewsDay Live) — Zimbabwe’s critical minerals boom must not come at the expense of rural communities, youth advocacy group YAI has warned, saying a just energy transition must protect people and the environment alongside global climate goals.

As demand for lithium, cobalt, copper and other minerals rises to supply batteries and renewable-energy technologies, communities in mining areas are often left to bear the environmental and social costs, the group said in a statement this week.

“Quite often, communities are expected to sacrifice their rivers, forests, health and environment so that the rest of the world can transition to clean energy,” YAI said.

“But critical minerals must not come at the expense of the communities where they are extracted.”

YAI said the transition to cleaner energy was necessary to tackle climate change, but argued that mining projects in Zimbabwe had also been linked to deforestation, water contamination, displacement and the loss of grazing and farming land, with limited benefits flowing back to affected communities.

The organisation called for stronger enforcement of environmental laws, binding community benefit agreements and meaningful consultation before mining projects are approved.

“A just energy transition must protect people, respect communities and take responsibility for environmental harm,” YAI said.

“Clean energy should not mean sacrifice for communities.”

Zimbabwe has some of the world’s largest lithium resources and has positioned itself as a key supplier of minerals needed for the global shift towards cleaner energy.

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development says mining operations must comply with environmental impact assessment regulations and contribute to local development.

However, YAI and other civil society groups say oversight remains weak and that some communities are informed about mining projects only after operations and heavy machinery have already moved into their areas.

YAI is now pushing for legislation that guarantees community revenue-sharing, land rehabilitation and the right of communities to reject projects that threaten their livelihoods.

“As we power the world’s green future, we must not power it with the displacement and poverty of Zimbabwean communities,” the group said.

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