Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, on March 23, conducted an oversight visit to Ekapa Minerals’s Joint Shaft mine in Kimberley, in the Northern Cape, where recovery operations have been under way following a mud rush on February 17.

Mine rescue teams have been working for weeks to recover the bodies of five mineworkers from the underground mine.

In a media release, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) notes that the first body was recovered on March 9, while the remaining bodies were recovered on March 22 and 23.

During the visit, Mantashe, accompanied by the Chief Inspector of Mines David Msiza and other senior officials from the DMPR received a comprehensive briefing from mine management and rescue personnel on the efforts that led to the successful retrieval of the bodies.

The department says it will initiate a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, in line with the Mine Health and Safety Act.

Mantashe has extended his sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.

The Minister also commended the rescue operation, including support received from the mining sector and the Minerals Council South Africa for their due diligence during the rescue operation, as well as for deploying a senior team to support the rescue mission.

Meanwhile, Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources chairperson Mikateko Mahlaule has welcomed the recovery of the bodies of the five mineworkers.

In a separate media release, Mahlaule says the committee is comforted by this development, saying that it will bring a measure of closure to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased workers, following weeks of uncertainty and distress.

“This is a deeply painful moment for all affected, but we are relieved that the recovery process has been concluded. The families of the deceased can now begin the difficult journey of mourning with the assurance that their loved ones have been brought back to the surface with dignity,” he says.

Mahlaule commends the tireless efforts of the rescue teams, mine officials and all stakeholders who worked under challenging conditions to recover the bodies.

He emphasises that their dedication ensured that the operation was carried out with care and respect.

Mahlaule reiterates the committee’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and called on the mine and other relevant authorities to continue providing the necessary psychosocial and financial support during this difficult time.

He further stresses the importance of accountability and prevention, noting that the committee remains resolute in its call for a full and transparent investigation into the cause of the incident.

“It is critical that we establish what led to this tragedy and take decisive steps to strengthen safety measures across the mining sector to prevent a recurrence”.

The committee says it will continue to monitor developments closely, including the impact of ongoing liquidation proceedings on workers and their families, and will engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure the rights and welfare of all affected are safeguarded.