Five Miners Presumed Dead After Mudslide at South African Diamond Mine

Five miners trapped underground following a mudslide at a diamond mine in South Africa’s Northern Cape province are now presumed dead, marking one of the most serious mining incidents in the country this year.

The accident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at the Ekapa diamond mine near Kimberley, when a sudden “mud-rush” swept through a section of the operation more than 800 metres below ground. Rescue teams were deployed immediately and all mining activities were halted as efforts to reach the trapped workers began.

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe said that, given the time that has passed since the incident, the likelihood of survival is extremely low. Speaking to the media, he indicated that attention had shifted toward recovering the bodies of the miners. The South African Broadcasting Corporation reported that rescue operations were continuing despite the diminishing prospects.

Mine operator Ekapa Minerals confirmed that operations were suspended immediately after the mudslide. The company stated that emergency response teams remain on site and that families of the affected workers have been regularly briefed. On Thursday evening, relatives gathered near the mine to hold a vigil.

Minister Mantashe has announced that a formal investigation will be launched to determine the cause of the mudslide and assess compliance with safety regulations.

The tragedy comes amid ongoing efforts by South Africa’s government and mining industry to improve safety standards under the “Zero Harm” campaign, which aims to eliminate workplace fatalities and injuries. Last year, the country recorded 41 mine deaths — the lowest annual total on record — reflecting progress in reducing mining-related fatalities.

Kimberley, the historic hub of South Africa’s diamond industry, was the centre of the 19th-century diamond rush that played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s industrial development. The latest incident underscores the persistent risks associated with deep-level mining and the continuing need for rigorous safety oversight across the sector.