[Ferro-Alloys.com] 

Chinese funded steel mill displaces locals in Zimbabwe

Chinese investment in large-scale projects in Africa has had massive impact on communities and the environment. One example is a new steel mill in Zimbabwe, valued at over $ 1 billion.

The Dinson steel mill is being constructed by China’s Dinson Iron and Steel Company close to the community of Mvuma south of the capital Harare. It is touted by Zimbabwe’s authorities as Africa’s biggest steel plant that will create a mini-city and be a gamechanger for the country’s grand ambitions to be Africa’s number one processed steel exporter. 

The promises and expectations of the government have however been met with doubt by locals who are already facing adverse effects due to the ongoing project. The biggest grievance has been the displacement of people off their traditional land.

Environment activists equally question the environment impact assessment report for the Dinson mine. According to domestic reports in Zimbabwe Dinson is accused of being in bed with Zimbabwe’s high political decision-makers, influential local businesses and even independent environment impact assessors. 

Dinson, the Chinese company denies all allegations against it and says negative reports are a smear campaign to tarnish the image of Chinese investments in Zimbabwe.

• [Editor:邢亚敏]