Ekapa Minerals' Joint Shaft Mine in Kimberley.
Image: Sandi Kwon Hoo / DFA
Hope for the five mineworkers trapped in the Joint Shaft Mine in Kimberley has diminished as rescue operations continue without any sign of life.
This tragic event occurred on February 17, when a catastrophic mud rush engulfed the area, leaving the miners stranded nearly 890 metres underground.
On Saturday, Ekapa CEO Jahn Hohne reported that despite extensive efforts and advanced technologies, conditions in the mine remain dire. "Cameras were lowered into the void, and in all instances, only water and mud were found, with no sign of survivable conditions," Hohne stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Immediately following the accident, drilling operations commenced in a bid to establish communication with the trapped individuals.
Hohne explained, “The goal was to establish communication with our trapped colleagues, which could then lead to more direct rescue actions.”
Unfortunately, as drilling progressed and no contact was made, the focus shifted to pinpointing areas where life could still potentially be sustained in the affected section.
Exceptional resources have been dedicated to pumping water from the mining site. Hohne emphasised that significant advancements were made, with new infrastructure allowing an additional 5,000 cubic metres of water to be pumped daily.
“We have finalised procedures for loading out mud and rock and are prepared to start this process as soon as it is safe for our employees to enter the area,” he added.
However, the challenges are immense. Fluctuating water levels have complicated pumping efforts, creating incredibly hazardous conditions for all involved.
“We continue to face challenges with the fluctuating water levels, despite the added pumping capacity,” Hohne noted.
Furthermore, the company has been proactive in providing support for the families affected by this tragedy.
“Regular communication, counselling support, and assistance are ongoing,” Hohne said, ensuring that emotional and logistical needs are addressed during this difficult period.
The Ekapa team has expressed profound gratitude for the support received from the community, acknowledging every small gesture from messages of encouragement to technical assistance.
Hohne paid tribute to the heroism shown by the teams working tirelessly around the clock, stating, “Our activities continue unabated despite the passing of time. The safety of our employees and the effectiveness of the rescue operation remain our highest priority.”
In addition to the company’s efforts, external organisations are stepping in to support the families of the trapped miners. Enviro Investigations, in partnership with the Glynnis Gale Foundation, has initiated a fundraising campaign to provide financial assistance to those affected.
Contributions can be made through their fundraising page, demonstrating the community’s resilience and compassion in times of crisis.
IOL