Climate Resource Centre Zimbabwe

Masvingo City has sold out over 600 residential stands in the new Rujeko D housing project at a record US$37.50 per square metre. The unprecedented figure far exceeds previous council rates, drastically driving up the cost of homeownership in the city. enviropresszim.com/masvingos…

Today we presented our two research documents and the accompanying policy brief to the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Fred Moyo at his office in Harare. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗮-𝗠𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘄𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 explores issues of economic justice and the Just Energy Transition in relation to the mining of lithium in the country. The Deputy Minister said government acknowledged the need for more effective regulation of mining to ensure greater environmental sustainability and meaningful beneficiation so that the country derives maximum possible value from its mineral resources for the benefit of its citizens. A link to the research document, as well as the other research document, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗭𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗯𝘄𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁, can be accessed in the Dropbox link provided in the comments section. Collectively, the research documents add upon a body of empiricism on community experiences of lithium mining which is vital for policy change advocacy. 𝑇𝘩𝑒 𝑟𝘦𝑠𝘦𝑎𝘳𝑐𝘩 𝘸𝑎𝘴 𝘤𝑜𝘯𝑑𝘶𝑐𝘵𝑒𝘥 𝘸𝑖𝘵ℎ 𝑠𝘶𝑝𝘱𝑜𝘳𝑡 𝑓𝘳𝑜𝘮 Southern Africa Trust

The draft manual, which remains subject to improvements incorporating the views and recommendations of gathered stakeholders, comprises eight modules spanning issues such as the fundamentals of climate change, adaptation and mitigation, and distinguishing fact from fiction in climate reporting.

The draft Climate Change Reporting Manual prepared by the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) will assist in guiding journalists to authoritatively report on climate change in an era of increased misinformation and disinformation enviropresszim.com/new-manua…

Despite an outright government ban on riverbed mining, illegal gold miners continue on local waterways, with devastating consequences for river systems. In Chivi, illegal gold mining activities are being carried out along tributaries that feed into the Tende River. Under Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024, all riverbed and alluvial mining is banned, even for those with special grants or existing EIAs. enviropresszim.com/destructi…

After the announcement that Arcadia Mine in Goromonzi district had dispatched for export its first batch of lithium sulphate, the first ever lithium salts to be produced in Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole, Chinese mining companies have strengthened their hold on one of the country's most strategic minerals at the moment. Lithium companies in Zimbabwe largely export lithium concentrates, which are basically crushed rocks with no further processing. Lithium sulphate, on the other hand, is an intermediate product which can be refined into a battery-grade material such as lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate used in battery manufacturing. enviropresszim.com/china-dee…

William Mafemani of Village 2, Nyangambe Resettlement in Ward 23, refused to let water shortages in his community persist any longer. Initially dismissed for attempting what many believed required heavy machinery, Mafemani’s efforts have since transformed into a community asset, significantly improving access to water. Equipped with only basic tools and unwavering determination, he set out to build a reservoir that could capture and store precious rainfall. Mafemani said he worked tirelessly without mechanized equipment, even as many people mocked his efforts. enviropresszim.com/chiredzi-…

𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐔𝐒 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 The United States government has announced withdrawal from 66 international organisations, dozens of which work to promote environmental conservation and the fight against climate change. Most notable among the organisations include the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The UNFCCC works to combat climate change by coordinating global efforts to stabilize greenhouse gas levels, acting as the parent treaty for the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, providing a framework for negotiations, and supporting countries with implementation, finance and reporting. Similarly, the IPCC assesses the science of climate change, its impacts, and future risks, providing policymakers with comprehensive, objective scientific reports to inform climate action, without conducting its own research but by reviewing existing literature. The IUCN works in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Founded in 1948, IUCN has become the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. enviropresszim.com/setback-t…

City of Masvingo has approved an ambitious US$1.12 million plan to reclaim the Runyararo dumpsite and turn it into a community asset including by constructing a school on the former waste site. The move comes under intense pressure, with the High Court ordering the city to vacate the dumpsite by December 31, 2025, forcing council to race against time as it transitions to the Cambria Farm sanitary landfill.

Partnering with Black Smile Investment, council says the project will overhaul the 8.25-hectare site through large-scale waste excavation, environmental rehabilitation and a “waste-to-education” model aimed at benefiting surrounding communities. But with the court deadline looming, questions remain: Can Masvingo relocate its waste operations in time — and will this multi-million-dollar transformation stay on track? enviropresszim.com/from-rubb…

While Masvingo welcomes the rains, Victoria Ranch is drowning in neglect. Developed under Zanu PF–linked land barons, the area lacks drainage and has collapsing roads. Every rainy season, homes flood, roads become rivers, and children trudge through mud to get to school. Victoria Ranch was meant to be progress — now it’s a warning about poor planning and political patronage. Residents demand urgent action: proper drainage, road fixes, and accountability.

Farmers in Zaka Brace for Tough Season — and Act Smart! 🌦️ With the 2025/26 farming season expected to bring delayed rains and dry spells, Zaka farmers are being urged to think ahead, farm smart, and diversify. 🌽🐄🥕 District Agritex Officer Kennedy Pedzisai says climate-smart farming methods under Pfumvudza/Intwasa—like early land prep, mulching, and timely input buying—will be key to surviving erratic weather. He’s also calling for supplementary livestock feeding and expanded horticulture to boost income and food security. enviropresszim.com/agritex-p…

From local fields to global markets! enviropresszim.com/global-ma… Over 350 smallholder farmers in Manicaland, Masvingo, and Matabeleland South poised to take their produce to the world. Through the Climate Resilience Livelihoods project, farmers are gaining access to profitable markets, climate-smart tech, and the support they need to thrive. @theGCF

Zimbabwe is edging closer to setting up a National Climate Fund to finance projects on climate change mitigation and adaptation, following the gazetting of the National Climate Change Management Bill last week. If passed by Parliament, the Bill will provide a legal framework to coordinate climate action and integrate climate considerations across all sectors of the economy. enviropresszim.com/zimbabwe-…

The campaign targets the country’s 5.7 million national herd as authorities move to contain recent outbreaks reported in Gutu, Bikita and Buhera districts. Meanwhile, livestock trade had been restricted to control the outbreaks, disrupting families that depend on cattle sales for income, especially as schools prepare to reopen. enviropresszim.com/govt-roll…

A Bikita Minerals employee working as a spotter died last night after being runover by a front-end loader during a night shift this week, amid growing concerns over safety standards at the lithium mine. Farai Murimoga reported for duty at 11pm on August 21 2025 and was dead just over four hours later in the accident which happened at the mine. The accident comes barely a week after another accident resulted in the injury of three school children who were hit by blast debris at the mine on August 15. On May 15, 2023, government ordered the company to cease operations for one week over a litany of offenses including labour malpractices, employment of illegal Chinese immigrants and poor administrative procedures leading to smuggling. In October 2023, plant operator Nelson Musendekwa, was killed by a vibrating bin discharger while on duty. On May 16, 2024, government ordered the newly commissioned SQU16 plant, which produces spodumene, to close pending investigations into non-compliance with environmental procedures and other abuses. In May 2025, a lab assistant at Bikita Minerals suffered a horrific workplace accident when his arm was crushed by a roller crusher during a night shift. enviropresszim.com/bikita-mi…

What began as a small beekeeping initiative in Buhera is now a thriving community enterprise empowering rural livelihoods and inspiring hope for future generations. enviropresszim.com/chapanduk…

"Unlike synthetic fertilizers, Bokashi revitalizes the soil by reintroducing microbes, minerals and organic matter. This reactivates natural biological processes, leading to healthier soil that eventually requires no external treatment." enviropresszim.com/masvingo-…

Gweru City Council, and Mberengwa, Runde, Vungu, and Zibagwe RDCs are among Midlands local authorities to receive adverse reports from the Auditor General's Officer for failure to adhere revenue handling, financial, and governance failures etc. enviropresszim.com/attorney-…

In face of climate change and droughts, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has urged livestock farmers to adopt urea-treated stover as a sustainable and cost-effective livestock feed alternative. enviropresszim.com/farmers-u…