Chinese mining companies involved in the extraction of minerals in countries across the African continent have repeatedly been accused of human rights violations, damaging the environment, corruption or operating illegal mining activities — as most recent cases in Namibia and Zimbabwe demonstrate.
39 Chinese mining companies involved in the extraction of minerals were implicated in 102 cases of alleged human rights and environmental violations between January 2021 and December 2022, according to a report released by the NGO Business & Human Rights Resource Centre last August. “Our data shows that human rights and environmental violations are common in the exploration, extraction, and processing of transitional energy minerals”, said the NGO, adding that of all the reported cases of alleged abuse, 12 were committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and seven in Zimbabwe, among others.
One of the most latest cases has been reported from Namibia where an activist, Jimmy Areseb, appeared in court on Monday (6 January) after being arrested for allegedly violating public order laws during a protest at a local traditional authority’s offices. He and several others attending the rally accused government officials of accepting bribes from a Chinese mining company in return for access to lithium deposits. This confrontation highlights growing tensions in the country’s Erongo region, where activists have accused a Chinese company, Xinfeng, of operating illegal mining activities.
Meanwhile, another Chinese mining company that operates a gold mine in eastern Zimbabwe has stirred controversy after local residents voiced their concern about the impact of Sino Africa Huijin Holdings’s mining activities on health and environment. According to local media reports, Zimbabwean government officials have been investigating serious accusations of severe environmental destruction and community harm. Villagers and community groups have complained about the blasting that has taken place at the mine that has allegedly caused widespread ecological damage.