KIMBERLEY – The five miners who are trapped underground on the lowest mining level of the Du Toitspan mine in Kimberley following an underground water flood and mud rush early last week on the 890-metre level are now presumed deceased.
In a statement issued by the chief executive officer of Ekapa Resources and Ekapa Minerals, Jahn Hohne, on Wednesday afternoon, 25 February, he said it is with deep regret to confirm that, following extensive rescue and search efforts, the five miners remain unaccounted for.
Hohne said the search operation continues, with the focus now on locating and recovering the miners once conditions allow this to be done safely.
Mine closure and company condolences
“Ekapa acknowledges the immense pain and uncertainty this situation has caused and extends its deepest condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the missing miners. Engagement and support for the families remain ongoing, with privacy wishes being fully respected,” he said.
In the same statement, Hohne confirmed that the Du Toitspan mine has officially been closed as of 25 February. He said this decision has not been taken lightly but is considered to be in the best interest of all concerned.
“This marks the end of 158 years of continuous diamond mining in Kimberley, a legacy the company acknowledges with humility and respect,” he said.
Company liquidation announced
“With deep regret, Ekapa confirms that a decision has been taken to apply to court to place Ekapa Resources (Pty) Ltd and Ekapa Minerals (Pty) Ltd into liquidation. This decision follows a careful assessment that has concluded that the company cannot continue to meet its financial obligations given the prolonged global diamond market downturn, exacerbated by the recent tragic incident,” the statement read.
Project 2026 and market challenges
The Du Toitspan 890-metre level was central to Ekapa’s operational recovery strategy, known internally as Project 2026, which aimed to ensure the sustainability of the business during a severe global downturn in the natural rough diamond market.
“Over the past 18 months, the international diamond industry has experienced unprecedented pressure due to a combination of factors, including reduced global demand, increased production of lower-cost synthetic diamonds, trade tariffs affecting key markets, and declining natural rough diamond prices.
“By late 2025, natural rough diamond prices had declined by approximately 55%, significantly impacting the viability of mining operations focused on smaller stone production.
“Project 2026 was designed to rebalance production towards higher-grade underground kimberlite, particularly at Du Toitspan, to sustain operations during this prolonged market downturn. The loss of access to the 890-metre level, combined with the extended time and substantial capital that would be required to recover it, has fundamentally altered the viability of the operation.
“Current assessments indicate that restoring access to this level would take between 10 and 18 months, require significant capital investment, and cannot be achieved under current financial conditions,” the statement read.
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After careful consideration of all operational, financial and safety factors, the boards and shareholders of Ekapa Resources and Ekapa Minerals have concluded that continuing to operate the business as a mining and processing company is no longer viable.
Background of mud rush incident
At approximately 00:55 on 17 February, a catastrophic water flood and mud rush occurred at the 890-metre level, the lowest mining level of the Du Toitspan mine. The incident unfolded rapidly, with water, mud and rock inundating the newly developed underground area within minutes. Despite years of extensive water management and drainage drilling around the mine and pit perimeter, a significant volume of water was released into the active mining area, neutralising the 890-metre level.
Since the incident at the Du Toitspan Joint Shaft, specialist mine rescue teams and technical experts have undertaken continuous drilling, dewatering and assessment work in an effort to locate the missing employees and establish any possibility of survivable conditions.
Life-support drilling was completed into the three areas where the miners were reported to be working shortly before the incident. These efforts confirmed that the tunnels were fully flooded with mud and water, with no indication of survivable conditions. Down-hole camera inspections likewise showed no signs of life.
Ekapa has worked closely with specialist contractors, mine rescue teams and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, whose officials are on site and have gone underground to assess conditions and provide oversight.
Dewatering operations continue
Dewatering operations remain ongoing, Hohne said. To date, approximately 18,000 cubic metres of water have been pumped from the affected area, with additional dewatering infrastructure installed. While water levels are gradually reducing, conditions remain unstable and access is governed strictly by safety considerations to ensure that no further lives are placed at risk.
Ekapa wishes to thank the mine rescue teams, emergency services, industry partners, regulators and all those who have provided technical assistance, support and solidarity during this exceptionally difficult period. Above all, the company recognises the courage and dedication of its employees and contractors, and the profound human cost of this tragedy.
Further communication will follow through formal legal and regulatory processes.
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