Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe is preparing for a critical follow-up visit to the Ekapa Mine in the Northern Cape this Friday, as recovery operations continue following a tragic underground mud rush.
The Minister is expected to receive an update from the Chief Inspector of Mines later today on the progress at the site, where five employees are believed to have lost their lives.
The incident occurred on February 17, when a sudden mud rush swept through a section of the mine more than 800 metres below ground. At the time, five employees were working underground and became trapped amid the inflow of mud and water.
Speaking during a parliamentary portfolio committee briefing on Tuesday, February 24, Mantashe said that significant progress had been made in stabilising the site.