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Nqobile Bhebhe in Kamativi

THE Kamativi Mining Company (KMC), which recently started extracting lithium from the old tin mine, has breathed new life into the once-abandoned Kamativi infrastructure.

WATCH here:https://youtu.be/PZMmGL4rqAk

Once one of the largest mines in the country, the Kamativi mine is located  in Matabeleland North Province.

It operated from 1936 until 1994, employing around 3 000 workers at its peak.

After its closure, local artisanal miners continued to work the pegmatite.

However, the story took an exciting turn when the ore was re-evaluated. It was discovered that the mine’s tailings contained lithium.

As a result, a project was launched to extract lithium from the tailings.

In its first phase of operations, KMC has made significant strides in restoring infrastructure to its former glory which has been commended by the community and Government.

For instance, KMC has resurfaced a road from the mine’s main gate to the Cross Dete-Binga road, covering several kilometers.

Added to that, the road connecting to the business center and passing through the police station has been tarred.

However, despite these improvements, the major hurdle for workers remains access to reliable clean water.

On Tuesday evening, the Chronicle news crew saw scores of workers with water containers with contents that are greenish in color, highlighting the severity of the water crisis.

The only source of water is the Kamativi Dam, which is unfortunately crocodile-infested and has earned the nickname “DRC” in reference to the civil war in the late 1990s in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Workers collect water by the mine exit point after each shift, but the water’s quality poses health risks.

They appeal to mine authorities to address water provisions urgently.

“This is our daily routine. We have a water crisis and we have no option but use the dirty water for all household chores including drinking,” said one worker on condition of anonymity.

Another worker said the mine provides unlimited water for workers on a daily basis.

“After each shift we collect water by the mine exit point. But we have to contend with its state. At first I used to get sick frequently and later realised that it could be the water I am using.

“We appeal to mine authorities to look into water provisions,” he said.

Mr Amon Tembo, a ward 11 resident said the only source of water is Kamativi Dam.

“The water is dirty and we are in fear of sporadic outbreaks of water borne diseases here,” said Mr Tembo.

Another Ward 11 resident Ms Sithulisiwe Munsaka echoed similar sentiments.

“Most people are relying on raw water which might cause diseases,” she said.

“This is a crisis. We do not have water and the population is growing. The clinic, Kamativi Secondary School do not have reliable water sources,” she said.

 “Our appeal is for the rural council and mine authorities to urgently assist the community with clean water collection points. Also, the community needs more ablution facilities to cater for the expanding population.”

The revival of Kamativi holds great promise, but ensuring clean water access for the workers remains a critical challenge, local say.