A brutal mud surge nearly a kilometre underground has likely claimed five lives at Ekapa Mine, leaving families bracing for recovery instead of rescue.
Mud-rush traps workers at Ekapa
Mud-rush traps workers at Ekapa
- Ekapa Mine in Kimberley halted operations after a mud rush.
- Five mineworkers were buried 890 metres down on 17 February 2026.
- Slurry and water sealed off the Joint Shaft escape routes.
- Mine Rescue Services deployed drills and pumps immediately.
- Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe visited on Friday.
- Mantashe said survival chances are minimal after days underground.
- Crews have shifted focus toward body recovery efforts.
- The government pledged counselling and support for grieving families.
- The South African Federation of Trade Unions called for a full investigation.
- Congress of South African Trade Unions backed intensified rescue resources.
- Labour groups question ground support and early warning systems.
- Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources faces pressure to probe.
- Families held vigils near the mine awaiting updates.
- Ekapa Minerals’ shutdown threatens local wages and businesses.
- Residents compare the disaster to past mining tragedies.
- Town leaders urge aid funds for affected households.
