Centre News Environment and Climate Hub
Bikita-A Human Rights Organization, the Bikita Land Institute of Development (BILD) filed a petition letter with the Environment Management Agency (EMA), demanding Environmental Impact Assessment for Sino Bikita Minerals’ lithium mine, accusing the Chinese owned entity of violating environmental and health rights.
BILD accuses the Chinese lithium expropriator of allegedly breaching environment rights in the constitution and local legislations including the Environment Management Act.
In a letter dated 17 November 2025, addressed to the EMA Provincial Director, Milton Muusha, the organization demanded the release of the certificates and information showing that the mine has relevant documents, citing their right to public information under Chapter 7 of the Zimbabwean Freedom of Information Act, 2020.
“We recognize and acknowledge the importance of proper waste management infrastructure for mining operations in our area. While such infrastructure may support mining activities that bring economic benefits, we also recognise that Slime dam if not properly designed, constructed, and managed, can pose significant environmental and health risks to surrounding communities” Bild said.
Muusha said he has not his seen the petition as he is currently out of office.
“I have been out of office since last week so haven’t seen it, if it was submitted at the offices, may be someone received it I am yet to see it,” he said.
BILD, Director Mountain Mujakachi insisted that they submitted the request at the provincial offices and showed Centre News a stamped letter by EMA.
Bild accuse the mining of excavating unfilled trenches that have been filled with polluted water in the village from Slime dam construction projects in the ward. The water suckles into the Mungezi River their source of water for drinking and their lives stock.
“We, therefore, request the following information, a copy of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report in respect of the Slime dam construction project in Murape Village, Ward 11, a copy of any Environmental Management Plan associated with the construction and operation of the slime dam and a copy of the EIA Certificate issued for this project,” BILD demanded in the letter.
Sino Bikita Minerals Lithium Mine Spokes Person, Collin Nikisi, denied the allegations.
“Bikita Minerals holds a valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate for the spodumene processing plant and tailings dam, in compliance with Zimbabwe’s environmental regulations. The certificate is accessible for viewing at the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Provincial Offices in Masvingo. This underscores our commitment to responsible and sustainable operations in Bikita,” said Nikisi.
“We would like to emphasize that Bikita Minerals has never polluted Matezva Dam and takes all necessary precautions to protect the environment. This can be verified with Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA). Our operations follow strict waste management practices: all waste is safely contained within our tailings dam, and water is recycled for use in our processes, ensuring minimal environmental impact,” Nikisi added.
Section 73 of the Zimbabwean Constitution which guarantees “the right to a clean environment and mandates the protection of the environment for present and future generations through reasonable legislative and other measures”
The institute also parroted violation of section 70 of Zimbabwe’s Environmental Management Act which prohibits the discharge of any waste into the environment by stipulating that “No person is allowed to discharge or dispose of any waste—whether domestic, commercial, or industrial—in a way that causes pollution”.
