Sabi Star Lithium Mine Transforms Agriculture in Buhera North

For years, smallholder farmers in Buhera North struggled with harsh conditions. Gilson Bonde watched his tomatoes wilt under the relentless sun, and long journeys to distant markets often meant his harvest spoiled before sale. Water scarcity and limited market access trapped many farmers in subsistence farming.

Today, Bonde stands in a flourishing cabbage field next to a solar-powered borehole. “This water has become our life,” he says. His story reflects a broader shift for dozens of local horticulture farmers, who now have guaranteed buyers just a few kilometers away: the Sabi Star Lithium Mine.

This partnership represents a quiet revolution in rural Zimbabwe, where agriculture employs over 60% of the population but remains vulnerable to climate shocks and economic instability. It also aligns with regional priorities. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) encourages extractive industries to support local economic development, moving beyond resource extraction to community integration.

The mine sources fresh produce locally, partnering with its catering contractor, Tsebo Zimbabwe, to create a structured supply chain for tomatoes, onions, ginger, and cucumbers. The produce feeds the mine’s 1,000-strong workforce. Engineer Oswald Makonese, Sabi Star’s Mine Manager, said: “We unbundled large vegetable contracts to accommodate sole traders and cooperatives, especially women and youths. It’s not just about CSR; it’s about building a resilient local economy.”

For farmers like Lessem Mungore, the initiative has been transformative. “Before, we had the will but not the way. Now, with a reliable buyer, I can plan. I’m expanding into Chinese vegetables and eggs. This opportunity has changed my life.”

Recognizing that a market is ineffective without produce, Sabi Star has drilled 26 solar-powered boreholes across the community. Community gardens were set up in Bonde, Tumbare, Bhondai, and Tame Villages, providing water to support horticultural projects for women and youth. Young farmer Gwinyai Mhlanga notes that access to water allows for experimentation and crop diversification. On a broader scale, the boreholes help curb environmentally damaging streambank cultivation, reducing siltation in the Save River and supporting ecological conservation.

During the 2024 drought, Sabi Star imported 30,000 tonnes of maize for distribution to 600 vulnerable families. While aid provided relief, the mine focuses on long-term capacity building rather than dependency. Other social investments include the construction of Mukubu Clinic, support for local schools, and drought relief programs. For Bonde, the success is tangible. He now sells produce directly to the mine, can expand his farm, and pays school fees without worry.

In Buhera, the partnership between Sabi Star Lithium Mine and local farmers shows that the most valuable resource a mine can uncover may not be lithium, but human potential.