A joint investigation with the department of mineral resources into an underground fire at a mine near Carletonville would be conducted, the Harmony Gold Mining Company said on Sunday.

Earlier, 486 mine employees were returned to the surface safely after a fire broke out at the Kusasalethu gold mine.

“We are extremely grateful that all of our colleagues have been brought to surface, without injury. This is to the credit of our systems, employees, the unions, and mine management who have worked tirelessly over the past 12 hours,” said CEO Graham Briggs in a statement.

No injuries or deaths had been reported but employees would be sent for observation to make sure that they were physically healthy.

The fire started at the mine’s 75 level, approximately 2,300 metres below surface, at around 09.40am. It had since been contained.

Some of the miners had used refuge bays underground which were supplied with fresh air, water and telephone communication to surface.

The fire was believed to have started during maintenance work on a bulk air cooler.

All operations at the mine had been suspended. SAPA