Tiyani Hahlani

A mine worker employed by Kinsey, a subcontractor at Bikita Minerals, was fatally crushed by a front-end loader during a night shift this week, amid growing concerns over safety standards at the lithium mine.

The deceased, identified as Farai Murimoga, was working as a spotter on duty from 11pm when the accident occurred at the new SQUI6 plant.

According to witnesses, Murimoga had just directed a dump truck to offload when a cloud of dust engulfed the worksite, severely limiting visibility.

In the thick dust, the front-end loader operator accidentally reversed over Murimoga, crushing him with the vehicle’s rear wheel. Colleagues rushed him to the mine clinic in a private vehicle, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The accident comes barely a week after another accident resulted in the injury of three school children who were hit by blast debris at the mine.

Workers have blamed the tragedy on unsafe working conditions, citing the high-speed crusher that exerts pressure to feed operations without leaving time to ensure safety.

They also accused the company of neglecting dust suppression measures, as water sprinklers are not in use despite repeated complaints recorded in daily safety talk registers.

The incident has raised fresh questions about worker protection at Bikita Minerals, where employees say production targets are being prioritised over safety precautions.

Bikita Minerals spokesperson Collen Nikisi confirmed the accident and said they would issue a press statement.

On May 15, 2023, government ordered the company to cease operations for one week over a litany of offenses including labour malpractices, employment of illegal Chinese immigrants and poor administrative procedures leading to smuggling.

In October 2023, plant operator Nelson Musendekwa, was killed by a vibrating bin discharger while on duty.

Again, on May 16, 2024, government ordered the newly commissioned SQU16 plant, which produces spodumene, to close pending investigations into non-compliance with environmental procedures and other abuses.

In May 2025, a lab assistant at Bikita Minerals suffered a horrific workplace accident when his arm was crushed by a roller crusher during a night shift.