The ManicaPost
BUHERA, a semi-arid region in Manicaland, is home to some of the world’s most sought after mineral deposits.
The district might not realise much from its agricultural exploits due to its climatic conditions, but when it comes to mining, Buhera has huge deposits of Rare Earth Elements (REEs), lithium and phosphate.
Lithium is used in manufacturing rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and electric vehicles.
In view of the rising demand for environmentally-friendly vehicles and gadgets, lithium has grown to become an important mineral.
Apart from the lithium, Manicaland is also on course to benefit from REEs found at Chishanya in Buhera.
REEs are widely used to make permanent magnets for lightweight electric motors, phosphors for television monitors, catalysts for cars and chemical refineries, rechargeable batteries for hybrid and electric cars, generators for wind turbines, as well as numerous optical and medical devices.
The REEs include cerium, dysprosium, erbium, europium, holmium and terbium, among many others.
This shows that Manicaland is one of the mining hubs of the country and mining is expected to play a key role in the attainment of Vision 2030, with the sector working towards generating US$12 billion by 2025.
So far, about US$22 million has been injected towards the establishment of a lithium mine in Buhera, with an additional US$108 million expected to be poured into the project by mid-next year.
The project, which will create employment for 300 local people, will have the capacity to produce 3 000 tonnes of lithium concentrate per day, which will translate to US$200 million per year.
Given its multiplier effect on foreign currency generation and employment creation, Sabi Star Mine will ameliorate Manicaland’s economic growth.
In fact, mining is expected to increase Manicaland’s Gross Domestic Product per capita which currently sits at $743, a figure that is very low given the province’s comparative advantages in various sectors of the economy.
Government is also in the process of revamping Dorowa Mine in Buhera in order to boost the production of basal fertiliser.
Once the phosphate produced at Dorowa Mine starts being value added at the facility, Manicaland’s GDP will improve as its product will not have to go to Zimphos in Harare for processing.
All these initiatives are important because mineral development can create new communities and bring wealth to those already in existence.
New projects bring jobs, business activities, roads, schools, and health clinics to remote and previously impoverished areas.
This is particularly good news for Buhera as the district experiences low and scattered rainfall that makes farming extremely difficult.
The mining activities are therefore expected to change the face of Buhera. Mining is important, not just for the raw materials it provides, but for the positive impact it has on the economy.
The mining industry enhances people’s quality of life, supports local businesses and schools, and contributes tax revenue to the country.
However, while the exploration and extraction of minerals paves the way for much-needed economic and social development, these activities can have widespread environmental and social consequences as it can also cause considerable disruption.
Already, 40 families have so far been affected by the mining operations in Buhera.
Those affected will be relocated next month as housing units have been built in adjacent villages.
Indeed, the people living near mines or those that are adversely affected by them should be compensated for any inconvenience, hardship, or loss of opportunity suffered.
In addition, for mining to contribute to the goals of sustainable development at the community level, it must provide a net benefit to the affected community through the provision of social services, income, or skills development.
That way, communities will accept the mining projects coming to their doorsteps.
