Gwede Mantashe To Descend Ekapa Minerals Shaft As Rescue Efforts Continue For Five Trapped Kimberley Miners

Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, is set to descend into a shaft at the Ekapa Minerals mine, where five miners remain trapped after a mud rush earlier this week.

Mantashe arrived at the Kimberley operation on Friday as rescue efforts entered their fourth day.

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The incident occurred on Tuesday when a mudslide disrupted underground operations, leaving five mineworkers stranded below the surface.

Mining activities at the site have been suspended while emergency teams focus on reaching the trapped workers.

Rescue Operation at Ekapa Minerals Mine Enters Fourth Day

Emergency crews are actively pumping water and mud from the affected shaft in an attempt to create a safe route to the area where the miners are believed to be trapped.

Despite continuous efforts, no contact has yet been established with the five workers.

The situation remains tense as rescue teams work around the clock to stabilise conditions underground and assess the safest way to proceed.

Minerals Council South Africa Deploys Experts to Support Rescue Efforts

In support of the ongoing operation, the Minerals Council South Africa has dispatched two specialists to the site. The experts are assisting mine management and providing support to the families of those affected.

On Thursday night, members of the local community gathered outside the mine for a candlelight vigil and prayer, showing solidarity with the trapped workers and their families.

Authorities have yet to confirm when contact might be established or when the rescue teams could safely reach the miners.