Race against time to rescue miners trapped in shaft

Management at Ekapa Mine in Kimberley reports that its rescue team is still struggling to reach five workers trapped in a shaft after a mud rush.

The workers have been trapped 890 m down Tunnel 6 since 17 February 2026, around 01:00. They have been identified as contractors and not direct employees of Ekapa Mine. 

The workers were on shift processing diamond-bearing gravel from old tailings dams when a surge of wet soil and debris poured in.

Heavy rains from recent storms are likely to have weakened the soil above the underground workings. 

Rescue teams have been trying to rescue the miners since Wednesday, 18 February. Communication with the miners has not yet been established.

Throughout the first day of rescue efforts, the specialised crews from Black Rock and Welkom struggled with rising water levels and the sheer amount of mud. 

Ekapa management reported that despite the teams’ efforts to pump out mud and water, the area appeared to be refilling at a rate similar to the amount being removed.

By Wednesday evening, the miners had been trapped for over 30 hours. Families and former workers began camping outside the mine gates, awaiting news. 

Some unions, including the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), have expressed anger over the lack of communication from management.

The National Union of Mineworkers’ Regional Secretary, Mosepedi Sanane, demanded a transparent investigation into whether safety protocols were breached. 

SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi called for the suspension of all operations and an independent investigation. 

“Management has kept quiet the whole of the day, but it is increasing, or it is proceeding with the profits, which signals to the family that, sorry, we don’t care much about your loved ones,” he said. 

Vavi criticised Ekapa for prioritising production over safety. AMCU representatives suggested the incident was due to a lack of maintenance. 

As of Thursday, 19 February, the rescue mission is entering its third day, having passed the 60-hour mark since the incident. 

Rescue teams have been unable to verify whether the men have access to oxygen, food, and water, or whether they have been able to access escape routes. 

Mine management stated that the mud rush came as a surprise, despite their belief that safety protocols were in place. 

The Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum (DMRP) was reportedly notified, and Ekapa is cooperating fully with relevant authorities in line with statutory requirements. 

Additionally, the Minerals Council South Africa deployed senior officials to engage directly with Ekapa management, Mine Rescue Services, the DMRP, and organised labour.

Ekapa CEO Jahn Hohne indicated it was the first fatality recorded at the diamond mines in Kimberley in the past ten years since Ekapa assumed operations.

Management did admit that, since Kimberley is an old mining town, the mining infrastructure has started to deteriorate.

Per Ekapa’s request, the workers’ identities remain undisclosed to protect their privacy and that of their families.

Families, colleagues, and residents across Kimberley have turned to social media, with Facebook as a vocal point, for prayer and messages of support. 

This article was written by Zané Steyn.