A silent killer lurks in Zimbabwe coal capital’s rivers
The rivers in Hwange carry toxic waste from coal mines, sickening residents, livestock and fish alike. Could selenium poisoning be the culprit? Oscar Nkala investigates...
22 May, 2026
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Oxpeckers lifts the veil of secrecy from Botswana’s flagship gas project
After months of tense discussions with authorities, Oxpeckers journalist Sello Motseta finally gets to see the environmental plan for Botala Energy’s coal bed methane project...
18 May, 2026 -
Botswana bets on gas boost for flagging economy
Watchdogs are worried about a lack of transparency around a flagship project – and warn against risks for local communities, wildlife and ecosystems. Sello Motseta investigates...
31 March, 2026 -
Zimbabwe bans export of lithium ore after Oxpeckers exposed smuggling
The unexpected move is testament to the power of journalism to enforce accountability, offer scrutiny and influence policy re-think, writes Tatenda Chitagu...
03 March, 2026 -
Eswatini’s coal comeback: From green promises to black fuel
The approval of a new thermal coal power project derails the kingdom’s green transition efforts, and marginalises local residents, reports Phathizwe Zulu...
29 January, 2026 -
Red flags along KZN’s South Coast
Andiswa Matikinca tracks concerns around critical minerals mining applications – and now a small harbour – in KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism mecca...
15 August, 2025 -
On the trail of lithium smugglers in Southern Africa
International data shows a recent boom in lithium exports from Southern Africa to Chinese markets. Where’s it coming from, and how does it get there? #PowerTracker investigates...
07 April, 2025 -
Stuck between lithium rocks and a hard place
Zimbabwean communities living around lithium mines have to put up with noise pollution, gas emissions, dust, flying-rock hazards and ground vibrations. Oscar Nkala investigates...
20 September, 2024 -
Hwange’s coal-mining horrors
Oscar Nkala travels to Hwange in north-western Zimbabwe to expose the environmental and health hazards caused by more than a century of coal mining...
05 September, 2024 -
‘Silent predators’ in the energy transition
Companies mining commodities needed for the global energy transition accused of keeping affected communities in Madagascar in the dark about their plans. Oscar Nkala investigates...
16 August, 2024 -
Cobalt crush undermines future of DRC’s community forests
Historic UN deal to restore degraded forest ecosystems in southeastern DRC is being torn apart by mining companies. Jonas Kiriko investigates...
22 July, 2024 -
Dark side to ‘a new dawn’
Tanzania is banking on its natural resources during the global transition to clean energy, but analysts warn there are dangers ahead. Oscar Nkala investigates...
12 July, 2024 -
The dark light: Zimbabwe’s energy nightmare
Power shortages across the country are fuelling deforestation through the illegal charcoal trade. Nqobile Tshili, Yolanda Moyo and Nkosana Vuma investigate how this network operate...
12 June, 2024 -
Zimbabwe’s lithium liability
Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a global leader in mining and processing lithium. Tatenda Chitagu investigates the cost of these ambitious plans...
17 May, 2024 -
Zambia tallies the costs of mining for electric batteries
Still reeling from environmental and public health problems caused by lead mining, the country now faces growing manganese demand for electric batteries. Oscar Nkala investigates...
16 April, 2024 -
The cobalt curse of the Congo
Cobalt is a critical energy transition mineral, but its use in batteries and electric vehicles comes at a high price for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Oscar Nkala investiga...
14 February, 2024 -
‘New energy’ rush is stripping DRC’s natural assets
Mining companies cashing in on global demand for cobalt are destroying protected nature reserves in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Jonas Kiriko investigates...
05 February, 2024
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