Intensive underground operations at Ekapa as search for five mineworkers continues

WATER pumping, material removal and drilling towards possible areas of refuge are under way at Ekapa Minerals’ Joint Shaft Mine in Kimberley, where five mineworkers remain unaccounted for following a mud rush and water ingress incident.

Ekapa Minerals confirmed in an official media statement that the incident occurred at 00:56 on Tuesday, February 17, on the 890-metre level of its Joint Shaft Mine.

“At this stage, five employees (contractors) are unaccounted for. Immediately following the incident, the mine activated its emergency response protocols, and a co-ordinated search and rescue operation is currently underway,” the company said.

Ekapa stated that all necessary specialist resources have been mobilised, and several proto-teams from neighbouring mines are en route to assist in searching for the missing employees.

“Presently, all efforts are in place for water pumping, material removal and drilling towards possible areas of refuge for these employees,” it added.

Ekapa noted that the Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum has been formally notified, and the company is co-operating fully with the relevant authorities in line with statutory requirements.

The company said the families of the affected employees have been informed and that support measures are being put in place. It has requested that the privacy of the affected employees and their families be respected during this difficult time.

The company added that it will not speculate on the cause of the incident at this stage but reiterated its commitment to transparent communication, the highest safety standards and the well-being of its workforce.

“Further updates will be provided as verified information becomes available.”

This remains a developing story.