A surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), teenage pregnancies, and children left without birth certificates is emerging as a worrying consequence of Zimbabwe’s lithium mining boom, a new report has found.
The Gender Impact Assessment by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO) highlights the social and health challenges faced by women in both large-scale and artisanal mining areas.
The report notes that since 2022, the rapid growth of lithium mining has brought economic activity but also an increase in sexual exploitation, particularly affecting young women in poverty-stricken communities.
“Interviewees highlighted that the influx of male workers in these communities has created an environment where teenage pregnancies have surged. Many male workers, often away from their families for extended periods, seek companionship with local women, leading to transactional relationships,” ZELO said.
Health workers in Mberengwa reported a sharp rise in STIs, including a new infection locally referred to as “blue sick”. The organisation also found that children born to foreign fathers, particularly Chinese workers, often lack proper documentation.
The report warns that transactional sex and exploitation are becoming normalized in mining areas, with women and girls forced into risky sexual behaviours to survive. ZELO said the lack of protective measures leaves victims with limited recourse to justice or health support.
Beyond sexual health risks, women near mining sites face environmental health challenges. Contaminated water sources have been linked to increased diarrhoeal diseases, while air pollution from mining dust contributes to respiratory problems.
Women working in artisanal mines are particularly vulnerable, with many lacking protective clothing and safety equipment. ZELO noted that long shifts in male-dominated workplaces increase the risk of harassment and gender-based violence.
The organisation is urging the government, mining companies, and civil society groups to implement community-based programs that raise awareness about the health risks of mining and promote safe sexual practices. ZELO also called for open dialogue around reproductive health to empower young women to seek information and support without fear of stigma.
“The cycle of exploitation and abuse can lead to long-term psychological and social repercussions, affecting not only the individuals directly involved but the broader community,” the report said.
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