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24 February, 2026Trade unions affiliated to IndustriALL Global Union have called for a formal inquiry into the incident at Ekapa diamond mine in Kimberley, where five miners remain trapped underground following a severe mud rush. Rescue operations have been abandoned amid persistent flooding.
Mud rush traps miners
A mud rush in the early hours of 17 February sent an influx of mud and water surging through sections of the shaft, trapping miners at depths of more than 800 metres. On 20 February, minister of mineral and petroleum resources, Gwede Mantashe, visited the site and said the miners must be presumed deceased due to their prolonged exposure to extreme conditions.
Union expresses sympathy
Mosepedi Sanane, National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Kimberley regional secretary, expressed sympathy:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and colleagues of the affected workers at this profoundly challenging time. We continue to hold onto the faint hope that they may yet be located alive and returned safely.”
Call for independent investigation
Whilst prioritizing rescue efforts, the NUM has urged the department of mineral resources and energy (DMRE) to initiate a thorough and independent investigation. The union insists on a transparent process to determine the causes of the disaster and whether any lapses in safety management systems or operational protocols contributed to the disaster. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) echoed similar concerns, stressing that rescue efforts should continue.
Mining’s ongoing dangers
UASA-The Union, in its statement, underscored the persistent hazards inherent in mining, emphasising that the government, mining stakeholders, social partners and employers must increase efforts towards achieving “Zero Harm”.
“Notwithstanding existing safety protocols, mining continues to represent one of the most hazardous occupations, with workers’ lives repeatedly placed at risk. Every fatality or serious injury imposes severe economic hardship on dependent families, eroding household financial security and long-term livelihoods,” states UASA.
Stronger safety measures urged
Additionally, the unions say the mud rush underscored the need for rigorous risk assessment, enhanced geotechnical monitoring, and strict enforcement of regulatory standards to mitigate workers’ health and safety risks.
Glen Mpufane, IndustriALL director for mining, said:
“This tragedy highlights ongoing structural challenges in South African mining safety, particularly in smaller diamond operations, where geological risks such as mud rushes worsened by groundwater or rainwater can lead to rapid and devastating flooding. This calls for regular inspections and adherence to mine health and safety protocols.”