Body recovered from Kimberley mine after devastating mud rush

Rescue and recovery teams have recovered the body of one of the five miners who were trapped following a devastating underground water flood and mud rush at a mine in Kimberley.

The miners went missing on 17 February at the Ekapa Minerals’ Du Toitspan Joint Shaft, one of the key mining operations linked to Ekapa Resources.

Recovery teams confirmed that the remains of one of the miners had been located and brought to the surface after an intensive search operation deep underground.

“The family of the miner has been informed. At the family’s request, the miner’s name will not be released at this time. Formal identification processes are currently underway, and further information will be shared once these procedures have been completed and when it is appropriate to do so.”

Teams are continuing their search for the four remaining miners who were last reported to be working nearly 890 metres below the surface at the time of the incident.

“Teams are working methodically and safely to reach the remaining areas where the other miners were last reported to be working. The company extends its deepest condolences to the family, colleagues and loved ones of the miner during this extremely difficult time.”

According to the mine, the tragedy unfolded when a sudden underground water flood and mud rush overwhelmed sections of the nearly 1,000-metre shaft at the Du Toitspan mine, trapping workers deep underground.

The incident has had wider implications for the mine’s operations and the surrounding community. Last week, more than 1,000 workers were caught in a legal battle to save their jobs after the Northern Cape High Court granted provisional liquidation to the company following the tragic mudslide.

Addressing families during a prayer meeting on Friday, 6 March, Zamani Saul described the court ruling as a major blow to both the affected families and the broader workforce.

“It’s a tragedy on top of a tragedy. We are now sitting with five workers in the mine, in a shaft at a mine and now have 1 100 workers patrolling the streets, unemployed.”

In response to the crisis, the provincial government announced a relief package aimed at supporting affected families and workers. The package, valued at R3.5 million, will reportedly include R10 000 payments for the families of the trapped miners and R3 000 food vouchers for the remaining workers.

As recovery operations continue underground, the focus remains on locating the remaining miners while providing support to families and workers grappling with the human and economic consequences of the disaster.