By A Correspondent – Bikita, Zimbabwe — The Youth Peace Ambassadors from the Youth Empowerment and Skills Development Association (YESDA) are pressing ahead with their campaign against Sinomine Resource Group’s Bikita Minerals, Zimbabwe’s largest lithium mine, despite escalating physical and digital threats allegedly linked to the mining company and state security agents.

The organization has petitioned the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), calling for an urgent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and strict enforcement of environmental health standards at the mine. Communities in Murape and surrounding villages have raised serious concerns over environmental rights violations.

Residents report that water access has been cut off at Nollen Farm, where many households relied on a local well. Pollution at the Matezva dam has forced around 100 families to rely on unsafe water sources, while a leaking slime dam is contaminating nearby water, posing severe health risks.

Since September 2025, activists and community members have faced harassment, surveillance, intimidation, and digital security breaches, allegedly linked to mining interests and state security agents. Despite this, the Youth Peace Ambassadors continue documenting violations and mobilizing communities.

“We will not be intimidated into silence. Our health, our homes, and our future are at stake,” said one activist.

The campaign underscores the importance of grassroots activism in defending human rights and environmental protection in resource-rich communities, which often bear the brunt of exploitation.