By Trust Rukwava
Centre News Hub
BIKITA- Lithium mining giant, Bikita Minerals has dismissed allegations by the Bikita Institute of Land and Development (BILAD) that a woman living with a disability in Ward 30 was coerced into signing relocation documents, describing the claims as “defamatory, factually erroneous, and misleading.”
The lithium mining company, a subsidiary of Sino mine Resource Group*, said BILAD’s 16 July press release was issued without contacting the company, local leadership, or medical personnel to verify facts.
In a statement, Bikita Minerals provided what it called a verified sequence of events linked to the ongoing voluntary Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) household survey in Ward 30.
“A multi-stakeholder consultation was held in Ward 30 with villagers, traditional leaders, political leaders and district officials, where the voluntary nature of the survey was explained,” the company said.
“A survey delegation comprising traditional leadership, the ward councilor, an independent social impact consultant and company representatives visited Glen Shee Farm. A resident welcomed the delegation. Before any questionnaire or document was presented, the resident reported feeling unwell due to elevated blood pressure and fainted.”
Bikita Minerals Public Relations Managers, Tinomuda Chakanyuka and Upenyu Chaota, said no document was presented and no signature was obtained from the disabled woman as alleged by BILAD.
“First aid was administered on-site by family, a community member and a company representative. The woman was transported to the Bikita Minerals Clinic for free treatment, and later to a relative’s home at Chinhamo Business Centre,” said Chakanyuka.
“On a subsequent date, senior managers and the clinic’s Sister-in-Charge visited the resident to monitor recovery and provided additional medication at the company’s cost.”
The company said five of the six households on Glen Shee Farm have completed the voluntary survey without incident.
“The resident retains an absolute, unqualified right to decline participation,” Chakanyuka said.
“Company personnel do not engage residents alone. The councillor, traditional leaders and family are present during all visits. Specialised accommodations are made available when requested.”
Bikita Minerals said the relocation of six households from Glen Shee Farm is necessary for the construction of a “state-of-the-art multi-million-dollar lithium sulphate processing plant.”
The company said it operates in compliance with Section 83 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Disabled Persons Act, and World Bank Performance Standard 5 on Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement.
It pledged “fair, just, and prompt compensation with modern, high-quality replacement housing” for affected persons.”
Bikita Minerals has accused BILAD of a “deliberate campaign to slander the company and sabotage constructive community development.”
The company said it has reported the matter to the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, ZHRC, EMA and the ZRP Victim Friendly Unit.
“The company has formally demanded that BILAD immediately issue an unconditional retraction of its 16 July statement and publish a public apology across all media channels within 48 hours,” Chakanyuka said.
“It reserves full legal rights to institute civil defamation proceedings if BILAD does not comply.”
BILAD had earlier condemned the incident and called for an independent review, medical support for the woman, and new engagement protocols for vulnerable residents.
Bikita Minerals said despite the allegations it “remains committed to uplifting host communities and protecting the rights and dignity of all community members, particularly women, vulnerable groups, and persons living with disabilities.”
