TORs - Consultancy for Co-creative Scientific Studies on Water Quality Testing and Groundwater Assessments in Lithium and Other Critical Minerals Mining Areas (Zimbabwe)
Consultancy, Research Jobs
Job Description
Assignment Duration: 30 days
Deadline for Applications: 31 May 2026
Background and Context
Zimbabwe’s transition towards becoming a major supplier of critical minerals such as lithium, chrome, nickel, and platinum group metals presents significant opportunities for industrialisation, export growth, and participation in global clean energy value chains. However, this expansion has intensified pressure on water resources in critical mineral mining districts.
To advance Just Energy Transition and Climate-Resilient Pathways for Zimbabwe, there is a critical need to address the water-critical minerals nexus, to ensure that mineral extraction contributes to sustainable development rather than environmental degradation and community vulnerability. Preliminary evidence shows that mining activities are increasing groundwater abstraction and pollution risks. Communities face water insecurity and declining water quality, worsened by climate change. There is limited locally generated scientific data to inform policy, regulation, and advocacy. Existing monitoring systems are weak, fragmented, and largely exclude community participation.
This consultancy responds to these gaps by undertaking co-creative scientific research that integrates community knowledge, academic rigor, and policy relevance to generate credible evidence for informed natural resources (including critical minerals and water) governance, and sustainable mining policy reforms.
Purpose of the Consultancy
The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct co-creative scientific studies on water quality and groundwater systems in lithium and other critical minerals mining areas, generating robust, policy-relevant evidence to inform sustainable water resource management, responsible mining practices, policy advocacy, and regulatory reforms.
Duties and Responsibilities
Objectives of the Assignment
The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:
1. Assess water quality to identifying pollution risks and other environmental impacts
2. Use existing data to map groundwater systems in selected critical minerals mining areas to assess current abstraction patterns, and sustainability thresholds and potential impacts.
3. Quantify the economic and environmental impacts of mining on water resources, including externalities, costs of degradation, and implications for local livelihoods and production systems.
4. Develop and operationalise community-based water monitoring systems, integrating scientific methods with local knowledge.
5. Generate evidence to inform policy and advocacy, particularly on water governance, mining regulation, ESG standards, and just energy transition pathways.
6. Suggest water conservation, management and technological innovations that may help reduce water conflicts in critical mineral rich areas.
Scope of Work
The consultant(s) shall undertake the following tasks:
1. Develop a robust and participatory research methodology. Define sampling, indicators, and study sites with stakeholders.
2. Generally assess the positive and negative impacts of the extraction of critical minerals on water resources.
3. In-situ measuring of physical, chemical and biological parameters of surface and ground water
4. Collection of borehole, river, dam or well water samples for laboratory analysis and evaluation for chemical, mineral and other micro-biological and other parameters
5. Use existing data to map hydrological drainage systems including streams, rivers, dams, aquifers, wells or other water bodies that may be affected by mining or that may be the source of water for mining operations.
6. Assess company level water abstraction levels of surface and ground water and compare with abstraction levels prescribed in permits and water legislation
7. Assess integrated water resources management and environmental management practices, innovations and technologies that can be adopted by companies to reduce water conflicts and promote sustainable management of water resources
8. Assess the company Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) reports on water use, access, management and community needs.
9. Assess the water needs of mineral processing companies, in particular companies involved in processing of lithium at various stages.
10. Assess other current water uses and stakeholder needs and any potential negative or positive impacts in the relevant catchment area and specific mining community
11. Engage communities, universities, and authorities in the research. Train community monitors in water testing. Establish or strengthen local water monitoring systems.
12. Produce reports and policy briefs with clear, evidence-based recommendations.
13. Facilitate a stakeholder validation process. Incorporate feedback into final outputs. Support policy uptake and advocacy.
Deliverables
1. Inception Report and Workplan
2. Study Design and Methodology Framework
3. Field Assessment Report (Water Quality & Groundwater Analysis)
4. Community Water Monitoring Framework and Training Materials
5. Draft Research Report and Policy Briefs
6. Stakeholder Validation Workshop Report
7. Final Research Report and Executive Summary
Duration of the Assignment
The consultancy is expected to be completed within -- days from the date of contract signing
Qualifications and Experience
Required Qualifications and Experience
The consultancy requires a multi-disciplinary team possessing the following qualifications, competencies or expertise;
• Qualification in Water management, hydrogeology, environmental science, mineral economics, law, or related fields
• Affiliation with an academic institution involved in water resources or environmental management is an added advantage
• Demonstrated experience in scientific and laboratory water quality testing and resource assessments in mining contexts including critical minerals or extractives sector research
• Experience in hydrology, integrated water resources management or other water systems processes including mapping
• Experience in participatory/co-creative research approaches, stakeholder engagement, and community-based monitoring
• Previous experience in conducting similar research with NGOs will be an added advantage
• Familiarity with Zimbabwe’s mining, water, and environmental policy frameworks
How to Apply
Application Process
Interested consultants (individuals or as teams) must submit the following by 30 May 2026.
• Expression of interest outlining understanding of the assignment, methodology, financial proposal and work plan
• CVs or Company profile
• Portfolio of similar work
Applications must be sent to: procurementzw@gmail.com with the subject line: Consultancy - Co-creative Water and Groundwater Study in Critical Minerals Areas
