The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr Gwede Mantashe, together with the Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul, and the Executive Mayor of the Sol Plaatje Municipality, Ms Martha Bartlett, have concluded an oversight visit to the Ekapa Minerals Joint Shaft Mine in Kimberley, Northern Cape.
During the visit, the Minister and his delegation received a comprehensive briefing from mine management and rescue personnel regarding the accident and the ongoing rescue operations. All operations at the Joint Shaft Mine have been suspended. The immediate priority remains the intensive 24-hour rescue operation aimed at locating and bringing to safety the five mine employees who are currently unaccounted for.
Speaking to members of the media after descending underground, Minister Mantashe stated:“It would be remiss of us to speculate on the cause of the incident at this stage. However, we will ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted to establish all the facts surrounding the accident. The findings of that investigation will inform our decisions and any necessary interventions going forward.”
In line with the Mine Health and Safety Act, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources will conduct a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident. The Chief Inspector of Mines, Mr David Msiza, will remain on site to monitor rescue operations and support rescue efforts until the operation is concluded.
The government commends the mining companies that have made their rescue teams available to assist in the ongoing operation rescue, as well as Minerals Council South Africa for deploying its senior team to support the rescue mission.
The affected families have been notified. The Minister and the Premier have instructed mine management to ensure continual communication with the families and to provide the necessary psychosocial and logistical support during this difficult period. Government’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of the affected employees as rescue efforts continue.
Issued jointly by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the Northern Cape Provincial Government
Enquiries: Lerato Ntsoko Lerato.ntsoko@dmpr.gov.za / mediadesk@dmpr.gov.za / 0824592788
Naledi Gaosekwe – Northern Cape Provincial Government: gaosekwen@ncpg.gov.za 067 417 3648