The technologies driving the global energy transition rely on vast amounts of ‘critical’ raw materials, including electromobility and AI technology. Often mined in countries of the Global South, the increasing demand for metals not only harbours economic opportunities but frequently leads to severe social and environmental impacts. As a result, many local communities hardly benefit from the energy transition. Instead, colonial relationships between the Global North and South are being perpetuated, unevenly distributing economic gains and social and environmental costs.
To shed light on this form of ‘green colonialism’, KEESA ADR is organising a conference focused on the example of lithium mining in Zimbabwe. An increasing demand for lithium for batteries has led to a rapid expansion of the mining sector in Zimbabwe. The country holds significant lithium reserves. Zimbabwean activists observe that the mining boom is accompanied by serious social and environmental consequences: resettlement, social tensions, environmental degradation and health problems such as drinking water contamination and emissions are affecting the local population. The expansion also threatens local cultural heritage, with sacred and historically significant sites being destroyed.
The conference highlights the consequences of our energy transition, which stretch as far as Zimbabwe – into the daily lives of people in Zimbabwe. Together with speakers from Zimbabwean and European civil society, we will explore questions of justice, global inequalities and enduring colonial power structures. The event aims not only to raise awareness of these pressing issues, but to foster solidarity-based, transnational cooperation among civil society actors.
Publication: KEESA ADR and CNRG published a study on lithium mining and its impacts in Zimbabwe. Also, the previous KEESA ADR newsletter focuses on raw materials and mining in Southern Africa.
Online registration open until 10 September 2025. This is an in-person event only.
