Race against time in Kimberley: elite rescue teams battle mud and water to reach five trapped mineworkers

A complex underground rescue operation is unfolding in Kimberley, where five mineworkers remain trapped nearly 900 metres below surface following a mud rush at Ekapa Minerals’ Joint Shaft Mine at Du Toitspan.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 17, on the 890-metre level of the Joint Shaft Mine, triggering an emergency response that has drawn in specialist rescue teams and government inspectors as efforts intensify to locate the missing contractors.

By Wednesday morning, Ekapa confirmed that search and rescue operations were continuing under challenging conditions.

“Ekapa Minerals confirms that search and rescue operations remain ongoing at the Joint Shaft Mine following the mud rush incident that occurred yesterday, 17 February 2026, on 890m Level of its Joint Shaft Mine, in Kimberley, South Africa,” the company said in an official update issued at 10.50am.

Specialist proto teams from Mines Rescue Services are working alongside the mine’s emergency response teams, as extensive drilling and dewatering continue in an effort to gain access to the affected area.

The company said operations are being coordinated under established emergency protocols, with the safety of rescue personnel remaining a priority.

Families of the trapped mineworkers are being regularly briefed and supported, Ekapa confirmed, adding that communication with relatives remains a key focus during the rescue phase.

Officials from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources are also on site, including chief inspector of mines Mr Msiza, deputy chief inspector Mr Zondi and Northern Cape principal inspector Mr Matetai.

Ekapa expressed appreciation to the Kimberley community, fellow mining houses and business partners for offers of technical support and messages of encouragement, saying further updates would be shared as verified information becomes available.

According to sources at the mine, pumping of water and mud is ongoing but slow, with underground conditions complicating access. The extent of the mud rush and water ingress has made reaching the trapped workers extremely difficult.

Mines Rescue Services, a specialised non-profit organisation, provides emergency response, firefighting and rescue services to South Africa’s mining sector. It is best known for its elite proto teams — volunteers who undergo rigorous physical and psychological training for high-risk operations.

Operating from Carletonville, Evander, Steelpoort and Welkom, the organisation is internationally recognised for deep-level rescues of up to 3,000 metres. Its specialised equipment includes a mobile rescue winder and advanced camera systems with voice capability to communicate with trapped mineworkers.

Above ground, Kimberley residents have rallied around affected families, with prayer chains and messages of support circulating widely on social media as the city waits for news.

For now, attention remains fixed on the five men underground, as rescue teams continue their painstaking work beneath the surface and families cling to hope for a breakthrough.