Citizen Oversight for Resource Equity (CORE)

Project Summary

In 750 villages across 15 districts in Zimbabwe, affected communities (rural youth, farmers, and artisanal miners) organise in village structures to document mining impacts on land, water, and livelihoods and collectively push for reforms in policy and practice. Lived experience is turned into verified evidence that can be used to influence decisions by local authorities, Parliament, regulators, and Zimbabwe's Chapter 12 Independent Commissions. To date, DEMT has influenced climate change legislation, secured protection of 150 hectares of communal land from unlawful seizure, and shaped local environmental bylaws for 5 Councils. DEMT also contributes to global responsible mineral sourcing debates by generating evidence on environmental and social risks in mineral supply chains.

Presentation of the Organization

DEMT is a movement of over 2,250 rural youth aged 15–35 organising across Zimbabwe’s lithium mining districts to demand community-level change and reforms in policy and law. It operates through ward-based structures in 750 villages across 15 districts, where affected communities document mining impacts and use constitutional and environmental law to engage institutions. Its work focuses on land rights, environmental protection, and governance accountability in extractive areas.