An investigation into the blaze which left nine people dead at Northam Platinum's Limpopo operations is to begin tomorrow, it has been confirmed.

The timing was decided during a meeting which was attended by Minerals and Energy Minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Northam Platinum chairperson Tokyo Sexwale, and union leaders.

NUM regional chairperson on health and safety, Elifas Ngoepe said the inquest would “kickstart” on Thursday.  Mr Ngoepe said that he believed six of the miners who died had done so after trying to control the fire, with the other men succumbing to smoke inhalation.

Meanwhile, Northam Platinum chairman Tokyo Sexwale has expressed his sympathies to the victims' families and stressed that the company would take action if necessary.

"We are all deeply affected by this. We are working together with government inspectors and the unions to identify the cause of the fire. The mine has an excellent safety record, and no stone will be left unturned in finding out what caused the accident,” he told News24.

The fire broke out while an estimated 1,000 nightshift workers were underground.  A total of 46 workers, who were working in the affected 13th level of the mine about 2100m underground, were safely evacuated after the blaze was detected, company spokeswoman Marion Brower said.