WATCH | Mantashe speaks out: 5 miners trapped, rescue more complex than expected

Mantashe

Kimberley – Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe says it is possible that the five mineworkers trapped at Ekapa Minerals in Kimberley, Northern Cape, after a mudslide may have died, as rescue operations prove more complex than expected.

After visiting the mine on Friday, Mantashe described the incident as a disaster for the mining industry, especially following the announcement of 41 mining deaths in 2025.

He said underground conditions — including water and drilling about 20 metres from where the workers are believed to be — are making rescue efforts difficult and time-consuming.

“What you should remember we have just announced a record of 41 deaths in the industry at 2025, and are starting this new year with a disaster which is a bad sign for the industry. But we are here. They were hoping that those people would be rescued. We have gone underground I can tell you it’s going to take longer than expected. We can sugar coat it to make people grow hope but it’s difficult cause there is water this side there is drilling happening is 20 metres about the body and it is a complex exercise. What is important is that the mining company is more focused now on rescuing those people to us that is a take away,” Mantashe said.

Meanwhile, NUMSA has called on the minister to investigate safety concerns at the diamond mine.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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