By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe says the rescue operation for five miners trapped underground at Ekapa Mine in Kimberley may take longer than expected due to the complexities.
The miners were trapped after Tuesday’s mudslide at the mine.
The incident occurred in the early hours. Mine management confirmed later the same day that an emergency response had been activated, but communication with the trapped miners was cut off.
Mantashe is currently conducting an inspection visit to the mine and confirmed that a full investigation will be implemented once the trapped miners are rescued.
“I do not want to presume death. I am not competent to do that, but if five people die in one accident, that is a disaster,” he said.
The minister further indicated that the mining sector recorded 41 fatalities in 2025 and warned that beginning this year with such an incident is “a bad sign for the industry”.
He says De Beers Consolidated Mines is to blame for the mudslide disaster that has left miners trapped.
Mantashe emphasised that the primary focus at present remains the recovery of the trapped miners.
“The first thing that must happen is that the bodies must be taken out. They must be rescued. Once you rescue all of them, then you start the investigation.”
On Wednesday industry body the Minerals Council South Africa (MCSA) said it had deployed a senior team to try to help find the missing miners.
“Our immediate focus is to offer support to Ekapa’s management, the affected operation, its employees, and their families. Finding the five people reported missing in the mud rush is the priority,” Mzila Mthenjane, chief executive officer of the MCSA, said in a statement.
The council added that its team will coordinate with all relevant authorities and stakeholders.
Government and mining industry have been making efforts to reduce mine deaths and injuries, part of a campaign called “Zero Harm”. Last year the country recorded its lowest-ever number of mine deaths.