Rescue Efforts Intensify at Ekapa Mine
Kimberley, South Africa – A desperate search and rescue operation is underway at the Ekapa Mine in Kimberley, Northern Cape, where five miners remain trapped underground after a significant mudslide, also referred to as a 'mud rush,' struck in the early hours of Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The incident occurred approximately 890 meters underground in Tunnel 6, according to reports from Ekapa Minerals.
Emergency teams were immediately dispatched to the site, and underground rescue operations commenced in an effort to locate the trapped mineworkers. While communication with the miners has been cut off, initial reports indicated that rescue workers picked up signs of life, including knocks and voices, through pipes pushed into the debris, offering a glimmer of hope.
Unions Demand Investigation into Safety Protocols
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has expressed deep distress following the catastrophic event. Mosepedi Sanane, NUM Kimberley Regional Secretary, stated, 'Our hearts and prayers are with the families and colleagues of the trapped workers during this incredibly difficult time. We are holding onto hope that they will be found alive and brought to safety.' The union has called for the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and all relevant stakeholders to launch a comprehensive and transparent investigation to establish the exact cause of the disaster and determine if there were any lapses in safety protocols.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) is also seeking access to the mine to assess the situation. The Minerals Council South Africa has deployed a senior team to assist Ekapa Mining in the search for the missing individuals, with CEO Mzila Mthenjane emphasizing that finding the five missing people is the priority.
Context of Mining Safety in South Africa
The incident at the diamond mine highlights the inherent dangers within South Africa's mining sector. Ekapa Mine, a key player in the region's diamond industry, reprocesses waste from historic sites. Heavy rains in the days leading up to the mudslide may have contributed to unstable soil conditions, potentially leading to the rush of wet earth and rocks that blocked the main access tunnel.
Despite significant improvements in safety standards over the past two decades, mining accidents continue to occur, with dozens of fatalities recorded annually across various operations. Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul has visited the scene, promising full government backing for the rescue efforts and calling for a full probe once the rescue concludes. As of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, more than 24 hours after the mudslide, the fate of the five trapped miners remains uncertain, with rescue operations continuing around the clock.
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