An interrogation into the impact of diamond mining by Chinese companies: case of Chiadzwa (2006-2016)

Abstract

The impacts on the diamond mining in Chiadzwa have been under research by historians, individuals, humanitarian groups and many civil society organisations. However, my research unpacked the impacts of diamond mining by the Chinese companies, how they affected the community socio-economic, political and environmental. This research revealed that the people of Chiadzwa-Marange area were impacted direct and indirectly by the mining activities by the Chinese companies since the formalization of diamond mining in Chiadzwa. The mining activities resulted into relocation of local inhabitants, violation of cultural, human rights, property rights, environmental degradation and the marginalisation of the communities in Chiadzwa-Marange area. Basic information about the impacts of diamond mining activities was obtained through personal interviews with local people through open ended interviews carried out in various places of Chiadzwa-Marange area, sources from community based monitoring organisations and interviews from Civil Society Organisations and other Companies representatives. This research has stand to be an eye opener to such extent that I found out that the formal mining activities by the Chinese mining companies severely pushed the community of Chiadzwa-Marange to a marginalized area.