“Disempowered by the transition”: Manipulated and coerced agency in displacements induced by accelerated extraction of energy transition minerals in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The haste to reach the net zero emissions target induces a high demand for energy transition minerals (ETMs) required to produce renewable energy technologies. This demand also translates to “accelerated” extraction of the ETMs exposing communities to displacement risks and associated human rights abuses. In order to acquire access to ETMs deposits, governments and extractive companies are collaboratively displacing communities residing on or close to these deposits through manipulation and coercion. The theme of manipulated and coerced agency is the foci of this manuscript. I show how the “urgency” to decarbonize and fast- tracked ETMs mining interact to induce displacements in absence of due diligence. Urgency by mining companies to extract minerals interacts with weak governance and corruption to induce forced resettlement characterized by manipulation of consent in regions where ETMs are concentrated. This article focuses on the case of Buhera district (south-eastern Zimbabwe) where communities were displaced due to lithium mining activities at the Sabi Star mine (run by a Chinese mining company known as Max Mind) to elucidate how manipulation and coercion were utilized to get people to agree to “unfair” resettlement terms. The resettlement programme was deliberately jumbled to confuse peasants so that they consent to a flawed displacement scheme. In the aftermath, people agreed to hasty removals coupled with unfair compensation resulting in their impoverishment. The Buhera case is an epitome of the political ecologies of energy transitions and displacements prevailing across the global south, that needs to be urgently addressed if we are to achieve a fairer and just energy transition. The article leans on the political ecology arguments to argue its case. Information regarding this case was gathered through listening to publicly available documentaries, extensive literature review, media reports and qualitative interviews. In the discussion and conclusions, important steps to enhance the resettled people's agency and participation in ETMs resettlements are recommended. These steps potentially promote successful resettlements that translate into just and sustainable transitions.