Northam Platinum has confirmed that nine of its workers have died in a fire at one of its underground mines.

The platinum mining firm said the fire began early on Monday morning at over 2km depth in its mine in the north east of Limpopo province.

A total of 46 workers were successfully evacuated from the level, but initial reports stated one miner had died and eight remained unnaccounted for.

In a later statement the firm announced: "It is with deep regret that the management of Northam Platinum advises that rescue teams have recovered the bodies of a further eight employees who died."

Production at the mine has now been stopped "until further notice", with the causes of the fire under investigation.

The Department of Minerals and Energy's mine inspectorate is now visiting the mine, with an investigation likely to take place this week.