Families in Umzumbe, KwaZulu-Natal, are urging authorities and mining operators to ensure proper relocation procedures are followed as lithium mining activities expand near residential properties, with some residents stating they feel they have no viable option but to leave their homes.
Residents living adjacent to the mining site report that operations are occurring “literally at people’s doors,” creating persistent disruptions. A local resident, whose yard borders the mine, described ongoing challenges including clouds of dust and loud noises from heavy vehicles operating day and night. “We simply cannot continue to live like this,” she stated, reflecting a sentiment shared by several neighbors.
While the mining company maintains that all relocations are voluntary and conducted transparently, community members describe circumstances that pressure them to accept relocation offers. One resident, who has agreed to move, emphasized that while she accepts the situation, the process must be handled correctly to honor the years families spent saving to build their homes.
Significant concerns have been raised regarding pre-mining consultations. Some residents report they were not adequately informed about planned operations or relocation timelines. Additional grievances include the lack of local employment opportunities for community youth at the mine. As operations are expected to expand, more families across villages in the Umzumbe area may face relocation.
Residents stress that the impact extends beyond individual properties, disrupting community infrastructure such as nearby schools and established livelihoods. Health concerns have also emerged, with one resident linking a child’s ongoing illness partially to dust and noise from the nearby mining activity.
Regulatory guidelines reportedly require agreement from all affected parties before mining activities commence. Questions remain among residents about whether these gazetted rules were fully observed during the licensing and consultation phases.
A spokesperson for the mining company stated that the organization remains committed to transparent engagement and will provide further clarification regarding the consultation and relocation processes. The company reiterated that all relocations to date have been voluntary and conducted above board.
Affected families continue to advocate for a relocation framework that respects their rights, acknowledges their personal investments in their homes, and safeguards the well-being of the broader community as lithium mining activities progress in the region.
