Sandawana Mine relocates 104 families for lithium plant

Sandawana Mine will relocate 104 families to make way for a US$300 million lithium processing plant, with new homes expected by end of September. NewZimbabwe.com reported traditional leaders approved and inspected seven model houses for affected families. The relocation follows years of community protests over previous mining expansions that displaced villagers without adequate compensation. The company promises improved housing and infrastructure, but residents remain wary of broken commitments. The horizon now tests whether the lithium boom can deliver equitable development or will repeat the extractive patterns that have left surrounding communities impoverished.