The extractive industry in Mozambique has generated revenue for the state and is currently one of the main drivers for the country’s economic growth. In the first quarter of 2023, it showed a growth rate of 38.02 per cent against a forecast of 23.1 per cent.
Nevertheless, this industry has been responsible for the social, economic and environmental damage caused to host communities, which have reported potential cases of environmental crimes, with harmful effects on the climate, human health and safety and the associated ecosystems. This situation worsens social inequalities, poverty, distrust of government institutions by local communities, among other consequences.
Despite several complaints made in the national and international media, the government and justice authorities have paid little attention to the environmental and social problems caused by the extractive industry. In order to contribute to the resolution of these social and environmental concerns, CIP carried out field research in the host communities of mining projects implemented by three mining companies, namely Dingsheng Minerals (Gaza), África Great Wall Mining
Development Company Ltd (Zambézia), and Haiyu (Mozambique) Mining Co. Lda (Nampula). The study aimed at assessing the impact of these companies’ actions on the environment and the lives of local communities and check this against the complaints reported on various social platforms.
