Five trapped miners presumed dead as rescue efforts continue

Efforts are continuing to rescue the five mine workers who have been trapped in a shaft at Ekapa Mines since 17 February 2026.

As of 25 February 2026, the workers have been stuck in the shaft for eight days. A mudslide trapped the workers approximately 890 metres underground in Tunnel 6.

While a larger group of workers managed to escape the initial rush, the five employees’ escape route was blocked, leaving them unable to reach safety.

Hopes to find that the workers alive have significantly diminished. Ekapa Mines CEO Jahn Hohne stated that cameras were lowered into the shaft, only to find water and mud. 

Camera footage shows no survivable conditions. Through new infrastructure, rescue teams are pumping 5,000 litres of water daily. Water levels still remain hazardous.

“We continue to face challenges with the fluctuating water levels, despite the added pumping capacity,” Hohne said.

Operations at the mining site have not commenced yet, as Ekapa Mines prioritises the retrieval of the mine workers. 

The mine expressed great appreciation for individuals who worked “tirelessly around the clock”. 

“Our activities continue unabated despite the passing of time. The safety of our employees and the effectiveness of the rescue operation remain our highest priority,” Hohne said. 

The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (MPR), Gwede Mantashe, made a stark assessment following his visit on 20 February 2026.

He stated that the workers are, under realistic circumstances, presumed dead, despite his expressed optimism during the visit.

The five workers’ presumed deaths mark the incident as a disaster. If there are more than four deaths in an incident, it is classified as a disaster in the mining industry. 

During a Parliamentary Briefing on 24 February 2026, Mantashe updated the MPR Portfolio Committee, noting that efforts to remove the mud and rocks would begin that same day. 

As of 24 February 2026, Mantashe has indicated plans for a follow-up oversight visit on 27 February 2026 to receive further updates on the recovery operations. 

This article was written by Zané Steyn.