Gwede Mantashe to revisit Ekapa Mine as recovery efforts intensify after deadly mud rush

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe is preparing for a critical follow-up visit to the Ekapa Mine in the Northern Cape this Friday, as recovery operations continue following a tragic underground mud rush.

The Minister is expected to receive an update from the Chief Inspector of Mines later today on the progress at the site, where five employees are believed to have lost their lives.

The incident occurred on February 17, when a sudden mud rush swept through a section of the mine more than 800 metres below ground. At the time, five employees were working underground and became trapped amid the inflow of mud and water.

Speaking during a parliamentary portfolio committee briefing on Tuesday, February 24, Mantashe said that significant progress had been made in stabilising the site.

“a lot of water” has now been pumped from the mine, after the Council for Geoscience was called in to help locate the source of the water entering the mine. The involvement of the Council for Geoscience marks a critical step in identifying and controlling the water intrusion that contributed to the mud rush.

Authorities were hopeful that the removal of mud from the affected section could begin on February 24, an essential step before any recovery of the trapped miners could take place.

Mantashe confirmed that the five employees are now presumed dead but stressed that efforts remain focused on retrieving their bodies as soon as conditions allow. He also emphasised that the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is firm in its position regarding recovery, insisting that the employees’ bodies be recovered.

Government oversight remains central to the ongoing response. By seeking direct updates from the Chief Inspector of Mines and engaging with technical experts, the Ministry aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and swift action.

The tragedy at Ekapa Mine has once again highlighted the inherent risks faced by mine workers daily. As recovery teams continue their painstaking work deep underground, families and colleagues await closure.

Friday’s follow-up visit is expected to provide further clarity on the progress of recovery efforts and a potential timeline for bringing the trapped worker’s home.

Rising Water Levels and Near-Impossible Conditions

In yesterday’s update, Ekapa CEO Jahn Hone provided context on the conditions faced by rescue teams. He said that rising water levels and difficult drilling conditions have made the mission extremely challenging. Cameras lowered into the void repeatedly found only water and mud, with no signs of survivable conditions.

“The goal was to establish communication with our trapped colleagues, which could then lead to more direct rescue actions. Unfortunately, as drilling progressed and no contact was made, the focus shifted to pinpointing areas where life could still potentially be sustained in the affected section.”

Despite the grim situation, preparations for the next phase are complete. “We have finalised procedures for loading out mud and rock and are prepared to start this process as soon as it is safe for our employees to enter the area,” Hone said.

Fluctuating water levels continue to complicate pumping efforts, creating hazardous conditions for rescue personnel. “We hope we can find those bodies. Families are being briefed so that they do not hold on to false hope. We aim for zero deaths, yet accidents still occur.”

Dewatering and drilling operations are being carried out by Ekapa employees in collaboration with specialist contractors, including Proto teams from other mines providing support in high-risk areas. Significant advancements have been made, with new infrastructure allowing an additional 5,000m³ of water to be pumped daily, a crucial step in stabilising the site.

Counselling Support for Families

Beyond the technical challenges underground, the human toll remains front and centre. The company confirmed that engagement with affected families continues, with regular communication and counselling support provided.

Ekapa also expressed appreciation for employees, contractors, and Proto team members from across the country who have contributed to the operation since last Tuesday.

As Mantashe prepares for his on-site visit, the focus remains on recovery, accountability, and providing closure to grieving families.