Minister Mantashe to visit Ekapa mine as five workers remain trapped underground

IT HAS been three days since a mud rush incident trapped five mineworkers 890 metres underground at Ekapa Minerals’ Joint Shaft in Kimberley. 

What began as a routine shift for the mineworkers earlier this week turned into a crisis when water broke through into Tunnel 6, filling the area with water, mud and rock debris.

The source of the water has not yet been confirmed, and Ekapa Minerals has not released further details regarding the cause of the incident.

As family members and friends continue to pray and hold on to hope, intensive search and rescue operations remain under way at the mine. No communication has yet been established with the five men, deepening the anguish of loved ones awaiting news.

A source at the mine indicated that aggressive pumping operations are continuing in an effort to reduce water levels, although progress remains slow. Officials have cautioned that there is still a significant amount of work to be done before the affected area can be accessed safely. Once the water has been sufficiently cleared, the removal of mud and debris can begin.

A brief update issued on Thursday morning stated that there had been no material change in the situation and that no formal media briefing would take place at this stage. 

The limited communication has led to growing frustration among family members seeking clarity.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, is expected to undertake an oversight visit to the mine in Kimberley on Friday, February 20.

In a statement, the department confirmed that the minister’s visit follows the mud rush incident that occurred on Tuesday, February 17, when one of the mine’s operational areas was affected. The department said it is engaging with mine management to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure compliance with applicable health and safety standards.

The department added that the visit forms part of the minister’s ongoing commitment to strengthening mine safety and supporting mineworkers. 

During the visit, he is expected to receive a comprehensive briefing from mine management and departmental inspectors. The oversight visit is scheduled for 9.30am at the Ekapa Mine Operations Centre in Kimberley.

Call for solidarity

In a separate call for solidarity, Sol Plaatje Municipality executive mayor Martha Bartlett urged residents of Kimberley and the country at large to keep the trapped mineworkers in their prayers and thoughts.

“We would like to assure their loved ones of our profound empathy, and we pledge our solidarity in this time of unimaginable distress,” her statement read. “We remain hopeful that the search and rescue operation will end in the safe return of the five trapped mineworkers, despite communication having been cut off.”

The municipality called on the community to rally behind the families and colleagues of the trapped workers, noting Kimberley’s history of unity during times of disaster and crisis. 

Words of support were also extended to the Ekapa workforce, counselling professionals, search and rescue specialists, unions and residents who have gathered to offer assistance.

Sol Plaatje Municipality’s Emergency Services confirmed that they responded to an early morning call reporting the mud rush at the Joint Shaft. The A Shift was immediately dispatched, with four emergency vehicles and 11 personnel, including a safety officer, mobilised to the scene.

After approximately two hours on standby and a joint operational assessment, it was determined that mine management and its specialist resources were adequately equipped to manage the complex rescue operation. Emergency Services remain on high alert and prepared to provide additional assistance if required.

Ekapa Minerals one of Kimberley’s largest employers, has in recent years partnered with the municipality to support repairs and refurbishment of bulk water supply infrastructure, including efforts to stabilise water production at the Riverton water treatment plants.

As the hours stretch on the third day, hope remains, even as uncertainty weighs heavily on the affected families and the broader Kimberley community.