Union Opposes Liquidation after Ekapa Mining Tragedy

(IDEX Online) - A mining union in South Africa is trying to halt the liquidation of the Ekapa mine, following a disaster that is feared to have claimed the lives of five workers.

It's concerned that the mine will abandon efforts to recover four remaining miners (one body was recovered on 9 March) and try to dodge its legal and financial accountability.

South Africa's Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy is also concerned about the liquidation, citing potential risks to recovery operations, and threats to workers' rights and families.

They say they don't want a repeat of the Lily gold mine tragedy, in which the bodies of three miners who died in a 2016 collapse have never been recovered.

The historic Ekapa diamond mine, in Kimberley, South Africa, was closed days after a mud rush there trapped miners deep underground (on 17 February).

Ekapa Mining said it was filing to liquidate Ekapa Resources (the underground mining rights holder) and Ekapa Minerals (the surface mining rights holder), claiming repairs to the damaged shaft were too costly.

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) is leading court challenges against the liquidation, saying the business should be rescued and calling for workers to receive months of unpaid salaries. A number of other unions are backing their calls.

Mikateko Mahlaule, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy, said: "We are concerned about the financial impact on the workers and their families with the liquidation proceedings now in motion."

"We implore the relevant authorities to ensure that all workers' rights are protected during this process, and that families receive the support they need."

The committee said no financial distress was flagged when they visited the mine last October and they were concerned about financial fallout for over 1,200 employees.

Ekapa had been mined continuously for 158 years. A group of miners was able to escape the sudden mud rush at the Du Toitspan shaft, but five were trapped.

Rescue and retrieval efforts have been hampered by rising water, mud, and debris.

Screengrab, courtesy SABC, shows rescue workers at Ekapa.